Madhukar Rao Bhagwat (1916-2001) was one of the earliest Swayamsevak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He first started as a Pracharak of Gujarat and later became President of the Chandrapur district and GujaratâÂÂs regional promoter of RSS. He was close to past Sarsanghchalaks including K. B. Hedgewar and M. S. Golwalkar, and is the father of present RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat.
He was the primary influence in the early life of politicians including Deputy Prime Minister of India L. K. Advani.
He played a pivotal role in shaping Narendra ModiâÂÂs ideological foundation and leadership approach. Modi first met Bhagwat at the age of 20 and later stayed with him in Nagpur during his third-year RSS training. BhagwatâÂÂs dedication to the RSS, his organizational skills, and his ability to inspire young swayamsevaks deeply influenced Modi.
BhagwatâÂÂs perseverance in expanding the RSS in Gujarat, even during challenging times like the 1948 ban, served as a model for ModiâÂÂs own resilience in politics. Modi also adopted BhagwatâÂÂs emphasis on grassroots organization, discipline, and nationalism, which later became central to his leadership style. BhagwatâÂÂs mentorship significantly shaped ModiâÂÂs early years, strengthening his ideological commitment and strategic approach in governance. He is also deeply connected to hinduism and to the Hindu religion and is connected to the rashtriya swayamsevak sangh(RSS).