Arise Bharat

Nagpur, July 9,2025

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat Unveils Book on Moropant Pingle; Shares Unheard Anecdotes from his life

At a heartfelt ceremony held in the Vanamati Auditorium, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat released the English biography “Moropant Pingle: The Architect of Hindu Resurgence”.

The book chronicles the extraordinary life and contribution of one of RSS’s most influential yet understated figures, Moropant Pingle, and was launched in the presence of senior Sangh functionaries and swayamsevaks.

Dr. Bhagwat, known for his candid recollections, took the opportunity to share lesser-known stories from Pingle’s life — stories that painted a portrait not only of a tireless organiser but also of a deeply self-effacing man who often deflected praise with disarming humour.

Recounting a moment from a national RSS meeting held in Vrindavan, Bhagwat recalled the day Pingle turned 75. “H.V. Sheshadri ji draped a ceremonial shawl over Moropant ji to honour the milestone. When invited to speak, Pingle ji began with his signature wit. He said, ‘People smile even before I start speaking. I often feel they don’t take me seriously. Even when I say nothing funny, they laugh.’”

The hall burst into laughter as Dr. Bhagwat recounted how Pingle had once remarked, “When I die, people will probably throw a stone first to check if I’m really dead. I know what the 75-year shawl symbolised. It’s often a polite way of telling someone their time is up and they should now step aside.”

Beneath the humour, however, was a deeper message about humility and detachment. Yet, even when honoured, Pingle ji remained cautious not to get emotionally attached to such gestures.”

The book, authored by a team of historians and RSS scholars, explores how Moropant Pingle played a pivotal role in the post-Independence resurgence of Hindu cultural thought.

Known as a master strategist, Pingle was instrumental in shaping the organisation’s long-term vision and outreach, though he remained largely behind the scenes.

Dr. Bhagwat’s reminiscences offered rare glimpses into the personal philosophy of a man who mentored generations of RSS workers but preferred anonymity over accolades. “His life is a lesson in silent leadership,” Bhagwat concluded. “He never sought the spotlight, and yet, his influence still shapes the direction of the Sangh.”

The event also witnessed discussions on the enduring relevance of Pingle’s organisational vision and his role in uniting ideological and grassroots efforts in postcolonial India.

The biography is now available in English and is expected to be translated into multiple Indian languages in the coming months.

However, it has been noticed that some sections of the media are selectively playing a portion of Mohan ji Bhagwat’s statement—which clearly pertains to the life of Moropant—and viewing it through the lens of contemporary politics to target the age of politicians, misconstruing it as a comment directed at those currently in politics.