H. V. Sheshadri Ji: A Life Devoted to the Nation Through the RSS
Sheshadri ji was known for his intellectual contributions, was highly respected by thinkers and scholars across the socio-political spectrum.
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May 26, 2026 marks the celebration of the 100th birth anniversary of Sri Ho. Ve. Sheshadri (May 26, 1926 – May 26, 2026) —a senior Pracharak, an exceptional organizer, a profound thinker, and an accomplished writer.
Born in Bengaluru on May 26, 1926, H. V. Seshadri came into contact with the Sangh in 1942. Following his postgraduate studies—an M.Sc. in Chemistry—he became a pracharak (full-time worker) of the Sangh in 1946. He joined as a pracharak alongside K. Suryanarayana Rao and Champakanath, who were part of the first group of three pracharaks in Karnataka.
He served as the Kolar District Pracharak in 1947; was arrested during the ban on the Sangh in 1948; became the Pranta Karyavaha in 1953; held the additional responsibility of Mangaluru Division Pracharak from 1953 to 1956; served as the Karnataka Pranta Pracharak in 1960, Sahakshetra Pracharak in 1980, and Dakshina Kshetra Pracharak in 1981; took on the roles of Akhil Bharatiya Pracharak Pramukh in 1983 and Sahasarakaryavaha in 1984; served as Sarakaryavaha from 1987 to 2000; and subsequently held the positions of Sahasarakaryavaha in 2000 and Akhil Bharatiya Pracharak Pramukh in 2003.
HV Sheshadri ji had addressed World Hindu Conference in New York in 1984 and Hindu Sangam at Bradford UK. Sheshadri ji was known for his intellectual contributions, was highly respected by thinkers and scholars across the socio-political spectrum. His articles were widely discussed in several diaspora across universities and intellectual meets.
HV Shesgadri ji passed away on August 14, 2005, at 6:57 PM at Bengaluru.
He was cremated at the Chamajapet crematorium in Bangalore on August 15, 2005. Funeral was attended by the then RSS Sarasanghachalak KS Sudarshan, then Sarakaryavah Dr Mohan Bhagwat, then Sahasarakaryavah Madan Das Devi, Suresh Joshi, Suresh Soni, Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, BJP President LK ADVANI, Senior leaders Dr Murali Manohar Joshi, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Babulal Gaur, Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda, BJP Leaders Pramod Mahajan, VHP Veteran Ashok Singhal, NDA Convenor George Fernandes, Congress Leader CK Jaffer Sherrief and many others.
"Seshadri possessed a creative, sensitive, and equanimous personality. He was a proponent of universal ideas," remarked K. S. Sudarshan Ji, the fifth Sarsanghchalak.
He authored a total of 41 books—30 in Kannada and 11 in English. H. V. Seshadri was a prolific writer, contributing hundreds of articles, columns, and inspirational letters to various publications, including Utthana, Vikrama, and Organiser.
In 1982, the work TorBeral by Ho. Ve. Seshadri received an award from the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi (under the Government of Karnataka). It is one of the books that garnered significant acclaim within intellectual circles.
Even amidst his relentless travel schedule, he continued to write unceasingly, thereby expanding and strengthening the intellectual framework of the Swayamsevaks (volunteers). He also shared the vision and ideals of the Sangh with society at large.
Books by HV Sheshadri ji:
1. Yugavatara (1967)
2. Tayi Kadihalu (1969)
3. Krantiyalla Bhranti (1970)
4. Amma Bagilu Tegi (1970)
5. Shivaji (1972)
6. Korike (1973)
7. Guru Govind Singh (1974)
8. Bhugilu (1977)
9. Assamina Artasvara (1980)
10. Meenakshipuram – Ondu Echcharike (1981)
11. Tor Beralu (1981)
12. Aa Kalaratriya Prashne (1981)
13. Adhunika Manava Jivanada Kurukshetradalli Parthasarathi Yaru? (1982)
14. Mrugajala, Nijajala (1983)
15. Bharatadalli Kraista Chatuvatikegalu (1985)
16. Pariprashna (1986)
17. Kritiroopa Sanghadarshana (1990)
18. Idonde Daari (1995)
19. Vikrutiyinda Samskrutiyedege (1995)
20. Desha Vibhajaneya Durantakathe (1995)
21. Navanirmanada Olapadaragalu (1996)
22. Charaiveti (1996)
23. Kaidivige (1996)
24. Dishabodha (1998)
25. Nyayika Aayogagala Kannalli Matantara (1999)
26. Samarasateya Savalu (1999)
27. Samajayoga (2001)
28. Hindu Samajakke Savalugalu - Pariharagalu (2002)
29. Jagrutatmarigagi (2004)
30. Shri Guruji (2005)
31. Dr Hegdewar – Epoch Maker (1981)
32. Christian Missions in the eyes of Gandhiji (1981)
33. Warning of Meenakshipuram (1981)
34. The Tragic Story of Partition (1982)
35. RSS – A Vision in Action (1988)
36. Hindus abroad – The Dilemma: Dollar or Dharma (1990)
37. Universal Spirit of Hindu Nationalism (1991)
38. The Way (1991)
39. Implications of Christian Conversions (1999)
40. Yoga – A Science Imperative (2000)
41. Sri Guruji (2005)