Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar (19 February 1906 – 5 June 1973), known as Guruji, was the second Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Born to Sadashivrao (a teacher) and Lakshmibai in a Marathi Karhade Brahmin family near Nagpur, he was the only surviving child of nine. He remained unmarried and dedicated his life to the RSS.

Genealogy and Family Details

Father

Sadashivrao Golwalkar, a former clerk in the Posts and Telegraphs Department who later became a high school teacher.

Mother

Lakshmibai.

Siblings

He was the only child to survive out of nine siblings.

Birthplace

Ramtek, near Nagpur, in the Central Provinces and Berar (now Maharashtra).

Childhood Name

Familiarly known as 'Madhu'.

Family Background

His father's frequent transfers led to his upbringing in various places, though they were based in Nagpur.

Key Biographical Notes

Education

He was a brilliant student, earning a Master of Science in Zoology from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1928.

Career

Briefly taught at BHU (1931-1933), where his students bestowed the title "Guruji" upon him.

Spiritual Influence

Initiated into the Ramakrishna Order by Swami Akhandananda in 1937.

RSS Leadership

Became the second leader (Sarsanghchalak) of the RSS in 1940, holding the position until his death in 1973.