New Delhi, February 26: Imagine a boy who couldn’t afford school fees or even books. To fund his education, he sold vegetables in the scorching sun. Little did anyone know that this humble vegetable vendor would one day become one of the greatest strategists in Indian politics. Who could have imagined that he would smile while rejecting a cabinet minister position offered by the Prime Minister? This is the story of India’s ‘Rashtra Rishi,’ Chandikadas Amritrao Deshmukh, affectionately known as ‘Nanaji Deshmukh.’
Born on October 11, 1916, in Parbhani, Maharashtra, Nanaji was deeply influenced by the ideas of Bal Gangadhar Tilak from a young age. His life took a significant turn when he came into contact with Dr. Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He dedicated his life to the nation.
When the RSS sent him to work in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, he had no money. The organization lacked funds and shelter, forcing him to rely on dharamshalas for accommodation. However, the dharamshalas had a rule that no one could stay for more than three days. Thus, Nanaji had to pack his belongings and find a new place every third day.
Eventually, the famous social worker Baba Raghavdas offered him shelter on the condition that Nanaji would cook for him daily. Balancing the roles of a cook and a propagandist, this young man established 250 RSS branches in Gorakhpur and surrounding areas within just three years. This was the first significant proof of his indomitable courage and grassroots skills. Nanaji’s personality was such that even fierce political opponents admired him. After the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, when the RSS was banned, Nanaji continued the organization’s work in secrecy.
Interestingly, he operated his ‘underground’ network from the home of Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, a cabinet minister and prominent Congress leader in Pandit Nehru’s government. Executing strategies from the home of a staunch rival was only possible due to Nanaji’s diplomatic acumen and deep personal relationships.
In 1975, when Indira Gandhi imposed the ‘Emergency’ on the country, Nanaji managed to evade arrest. Disguised as a Sikh or sometimes as a businessman with a mustache, he traveled across the nation, initiating a grassroots movement for the restoration of democracy. During the JP movement in 1974, a massive public demonstration was underway in Patna. Suddenly, the police charged with batons towards Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), who was over 70 years old. At that moment, Nanaji shielded JP by lying on top of him. Although he suffered a broken arm from the police’s brutal batons, he ensured that the great leader remained unharmed.
This remarkable courage and the opposition coalition he forged led to the Congress being ousted from power in 1977. When the Janata Party government was formed under Morarji Desai, Nanaji was offered the Ministry of Industry. However, he declined the ministerial position. At the age of 60, he did what was unimaginable in Indian politics: he announced his retirement from active politics. He believed that leaders should step down from power and serve society after the age of 60.
Through the ‘Deendayal Research Institute’ (DRI), he presented a unique model. The ‘Samaj Shilpi Dhanpati’ (SSD) program sent educated newlywed couples to villages for five years. These couples were chosen so that village women could share their problems with female workers without hesitation. They eradicated superstitions in tribal areas, eliminated malnutrition, and ignited a new passion for education.
However, the ‘Dispute-Free Village’ initiative was the most revolutionary. Nanaji believed that a village entangled in lawsuits could never progress. He empowered women and the elderly to ensure that no disputes reached the police station or court. Decisions began to be made at community gatherings through mutual consent.
This model was so successful that when then-President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam visited Chitrakoot in 2006, he was astonished to see villages free from lawsuits. He cited the ‘Chitrakoot Model’ as an example before judges across the country.
Nanaji Deshmukh was honored with the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awards. He passed away on February 27, 2010, at the age of 94.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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