Senior RSS Pracharak R Hari Passes Away at 93
Kochi mourns the loss of a revered leader as Senior RSS Pracharak R Hari, aged 93, passed away Sunday morning. Hari, the first pracharak from Kerala to rise to the helm of RSS, succumbed to age-related ailments at a private hospital in Ernakulam. Born on December 5, 1930, to Ranga Shenoy, a staunch RSS supporter, and Padmavathy of Tripunithura, Hari’s journey was marked by dedication and resilience.
His association with RSS commenced during a tumultuous period, marked by the ban on RSS following Gandhi’s assassination in 1948. Despite the challenges, Hari pursued his education, graduating with a BA in Economics and later obtaining a master’s degree in Sanskrit. His commitment to RSS deepened, and in 1951, he became a full-time RSS worker.
Hari’s dedication and leadership were recognized, leading him to the position of Pranth Pracharak in Kerala until 1989. His remarkable journey continued as he assumed roles such as Akhila Bharatiya Saha Boudhik pramukh in 1990 and Boudhik Pramukh in 1991. His contributions to RSS were immense, and he authored numerous books, showcasing his proficiency in languages such as Malayalam, Konkani, Tamil, Hindi, Sanskrit, English, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Assamese.
In the face of adversity, Hari demonstrated his resilience. In 2000, he suffered a severe accident in North India, leading to memory loss in languages other than Malayalam. With determination and medical treatment, he regained his faculties and continued his literary pursuits, publishing several books.
R Hari’s legacy as a leader, scholar, and dedicated RSS pracharak will be remembered by generations, reflecting his unwavering commitment to the organization and its ideals. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, knowledge, and service to RSS and the community.
