Guwahati (Assam), 25 August (HS): The 122nd birth anniversary of ‘Mrityunjayi Pracharak’ Umakant Keshav Apte, popularly known as Babasaheb Apte, was observed as Dedication Day in Guwahati on Sunday evening. The event, organised by the Indian History Compilation Committee, Kamrup (M), was held at the Madhukar Limaye auditorium in Bharalumukh.

Hemant Dhing Majumdar, National General Secretary of the All India History Compilation Scheme, delivered the keynote address, highlighting Apte’s role as a scholar, historian and the first national propagator of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Majumdar described Apte as a profound thinker of Indian culture, a scholar of Sanskrit, Marathi and Hindi, and a strong advocate for rewriting India’s distorted history.

He said Apte believed that without understanding true history, India’s national identity would remain at risk. His efforts inspired the formation of the All India History Compilation Scheme to present India’s glorious traditions authentically. Majumdar also recalled Apte’s role in the establishment of Hindustan Samachar in 1948 and his initiatives for the popularisation of Sanskrit through the Sanskrit Language Education movement.

Referring to Apte’s deep connection with the Northeast, Majumdar noted that he frequently travelled to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur and had once expressed a wish to be reborn in Assam to dedicate himself to the work of the Sangh.

Born in 1903 at Yavatmal, Maharashtra, Babasaheb Apte joined the RSS in 1924 and later emerged as its first pracharak (propagator) in 1931. He played a crucial role in training thousands of volunteers and ensuring the Sangh’s growth during the absence of founder Dr. KB Hedgewar. Apte also contributed to the RSS prayer Pratah Smaran, which mentions Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardev and warrior Lachit Barphukan. He passed away on July 26, 1972.

The event was attended by Dr. Niranjan Kalita, President of the Northeastern Region of the Indian Historical Compilation Committee; Dr. Gajendra Adhikari, State President of Assam; Dr. Ajit Chandra Deka, President of the Kamrup Metropolitan Region; and several dignitaries. The programme was conducted by Manoj Kumar Barman, while Dr. Ajit Chandra Deka delivered the vote of thanks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash