Hedgewar became an active member of the Arya Samaj movement in his youth and participated in various social and religious activities. He was particularly drawn to Arya Samaj's critique of caste discrimination and its call for a united Hindu society. He believed that the only way to achieve Hindu unity and social regeneration was through the creation of a strong and disciplined organization like the RSS.
Hedgewar founded the RSS in 1925 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, as a small group of volunteers dedicated to physical and cultural training. He drew upon the teachings of Arya Samaj and incorporated many of its principles and rituals into the RSS. The RSS emphasized physical fitness, discipline, and a sense of service to the nation. It also promoted the study of Hindu scriptures and cultural heritage.
Hedgewar remained a committed Arya Samajist throughout his life and considered the RSS as a means to fulfill the ideals of Arya Samaj. He believed that the RSS could help to unite Hindus and build a strong and self-reliant India. Under his leadership, the RSS grew from a small organization to a nationwide movement with a significant impact on Indian politics and society.
However, it is important to note that while Hedgewar was an Arya Samajist, the RSS itself is not an Arya Samaj organization. The RSS is a broader Hindu nationalist organization that includes members from various Hindu traditions and backgrounds. While the RSS shares some similarities with Arya Samaj, it also has its own unique ideology and objectives.