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By:

Uday Jogalekar

13 May 2026 at 3:25:14 pm

From Pracharak to Minister: My Memories of Dilipda

Long before he became a minister, Dilipda had already earned our respect through his simplicity, discipline, and warmth. In 2007, my job brought me to Kolkata. Once there, I began attending the local RSS shakha and gradually became involved in Sangh work. I first met Dilipda during a visit to a swayamsevak’s home. Coincidentally, that same year, he had been appointed to our division. As everyone introduced themselves, Dilipda casually asked me in Marathi, “How are you finding Bengal?” Hearing...

From Pracharak to Minister: My Memories of Dilipda

Long before he became a minister, Dilipda had already earned our respect through his simplicity, discipline, and warmth. In 2007, my job brought me to Kolkata. Once there, I began attending the local RSS shakha and gradually became involved in Sangh work. I first met Dilipda during a visit to a swayamsevak’s home. Coincidentally, that same year, he had been appointed to our division. As everyone introduced themselves, Dilipda casually asked me in Marathi, “How are you finding Bengal?” Hearing a Bengali pracharak — a full-time RSS worker devoted to organisational work — speak fluent Marathi came as a pleasant surprise to me. From that moment onwards, my interactions with Dilipda increased, and I gradually began to understand the many dimensions of his seemingly simple personality. Coming from Maharashtra, where Sangh work generally faced non-violent opposition, adapting to Bengal — where the opposition was often violent — was not easy. In that atmosphere, I learnt from Dilipda how to remain enthusiastic while also keeping fellow workers motivated and active. I often accompanied Dilipda during his visits to our area. He had a remarkable ability to blend effortlessly into any household, warmly enquire about every family member, and make everyone feel as though he were one of their own. Before being appointed to Kolkata, Dilipda had served as an RSS pracharak in the remote Andaman Islands from around 1999–2000 until 2007. Based in Port Blair, he worked under difficult conditions despite limited travel and communication facilities, diverse tribes speaking different languages, and a local mindset that often kept outsiders at a distance. He would often share positive experiences from his years in the Andamans but never once spoke about the hardships he endured. Despite working in such difficult conditions, he never mentioned his personal discomforts. This ability to remain free of complaints despite adversity is a hallmark of a pracharak, and Dilipda embodied it completely. He possessed the rare gift of finding positivity even in challenging situations. Excellent Cook In Bengal during 2007, Sangh work had not yet expanded to the scale it has reached today. At times, pracharaks had to cook their own meals, and this had made Dilipda an excellent cook. Whenever he returned to the city from his travels, our group would eagerly gather to enjoy his khichdi. Our area, Bidhannagar, was located in Salt Lake, a relatively prosperous locality. Adjacent to it were a few underprivileged settlements, and we would occasionally visit the nearby market. To reach the market from Salt Lake, one had to cross a wooden bridge, where the toll was 25 paise for pedestrians and one rupee for bicycles. Observing the difficulties faced by people in those settlements, Dilipda once suggested starting some sewa (service) activity there. That eventually led to the establishment of a homoeopathic clinic in the locality. While setting up the clinic, Dilipda effortlessly guided us through every stage of planning — what arrangements were needed, how the process should be structured, and what challenges might arise. It felt as though the entire plan was already mapped out in his mind. As the clinic became operational, we began noticing the educational difficulties faced by the local children. English, science, and mathematics were particularly challenging subjects for them, which eventually led to the start of a study centre. The idea of involving engineers from Salt Lake’s IT companies also came from Dilipda. Later, by bringing together IT professionals, an “IT Milan” initiative was started, and many of them eventually became swayamsevaks actively involved in Sangh work. Remarkable Ability At the time, the CPM government was in power in Bengal, and there were many obstacles to conducting shakha activities. Dilipda constantly guided us on overcoming these challenges. He had a remarkable ability to identify work that could bring meaningful change, plan it carefully, and execute it with determination and effectiveness. Whether it was service activities, daily shakha work, or handling sensitive cases related to “Love Jihad", Dilipda consistently displayed dedication, clarity of thought, a fighting spirit, and an unwavering readiness to work tirelessly toward the objective. What amazes me even today is that a pracharak like Dilipda — someone far ahead of us in age, experience, and accomplishments — would interact so casually and warmly with ordinary swayamsevaks like us, placing a hand on our shoulders and speaking as though he were a close friend. In 2009, I was transferred back to Mumbai, bringing my Kolkata chapter to an end. Later, in 2014, I learned that Dilipda had been given responsibility in the BJP. And now, in 2026, the BJP forming a government on its own strength speaks volumes about its contribution and leadership. Today, Dilipda has become a minister, and many titles and honours will naturally be associated with him. But to us, he will always remain simply "Dilipda". (The writer is an entrepreneur based in Kalwa, Thane.)

The Narsimha Moment: India in a Shifting World Order


AI generated image
AI generated image

In this reading of the Narasimha story, Prahlad becomes a metaphor for Bharat—resilient, restrained and rising amid external pressure and internal challenge.

 

The story of Mahavatar Narsimha is widely known. Yet read differently, it resonates with the geopolitical and political currents unfolding in India and across the world. At its heart is the story of Vishnu’s Narsimha avatar and his devotee, Prahlad.


Prahlad and Bharat

As Rajnath Singh said, “Bharat ko rokne ke liye saari taaqatein prayas kar rahi hain, par Bharat nahi rukega” (“All forces are trying to stop Bharat, but Bharat will not stop growing”). In this reading, Prahlad symbolises Bharat.


Prahlad, gentle and compassionate, stands for coexistence with nature and all living beings — an echo of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. When his gurukul teachers equate power with violence against the weak, he insists that true power lies in defending and protecting them.


India in a Hostile World

In today’s geopolitical landscape, Prahlad comes to symbolise Bharat, while China and America are cast as the forces trying to restrain it. America may speak of stronger ties, but the argument here is that it remains uneasy with India’s rise.


As India moves towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, it faces pressure from both powers. China, more covertly, has sought leverage by restricting rare earth supplies, affecting sectors such as EVs and defence. In this reading, both mirror Hiranyakashipu, repeatedly trying to halt Prahlad’s advance.


America and Pakistan, meanwhile, are likened to Holika — seeking to burn Prahlad, only to be consumed themselves while he remains unharmed.


This mirrors what the US is doing to itself through tariffs and by providing aid to Pakistan, which is then used for attacks such as Pahalgam. In effect, it is setting fire to itself, not India.


As for China, cast here as Hiranyakashipu, the stronger of the two brothers, it is expected to try to crush Prahlad at every opportunity — and India is prepared for that challenge.


With the decline of Western power, and Trump in the most powerful office acting as an accelerant, South Asia is emerging as a new centre of power. As the world turns towards Asia, China, with its authoritarian model, is unlikely to be seen as a credible alternative. India, embodying the qualities of Prahlad, stands out as the stronger option. Despite many challenges, it remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy.


India, as Prahlad, stands for a multipolar world — not a unipolar or bipolar one. It supports smaller nations in their development. Where much of the world speaks the language of war, India speaks for peace.


Operation Sindoor is presented as a striking example of how conflict can be brought to an end — in contrast to the US record of unnecessary war. Its message is clear: those who harm India will be dealt with firmly, while those who treat it with respect — such as Israel and Russia — are met with equal respect and support.


A World Looking to India

“India is not demanding a seat at the table; it is creating its own table,” actor Denzel Washington is often quoted as saying. Whether in Brazil’s outreach to PM Modi or Canada’s decision to invite India to the G7, the message is the same: India’s global weight is growing.


When Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar welcomes PM Modi in a saree, it reflects the cultural impression India leaves on the world. When Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape touches PM Modi’s feet, it suggests that Indian culture resonates beyond national borders. And when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says, “When India stabilises, the world also gets stabilised,” it reflects a wider global belief in India’s rise.


For years, India was mocked as a country that “missed the bus”. But, as PM Modi said in Parliament recently, “India today drives the bus, and the world says we should not miss it.” The recent Artificial Intelligence Summit is presented as one more sign of India moving from participant to leader.


In this telling, India is the Prahlad the world is waiting for — and with the strength of its civilisation and culture, it can help make the world better.


Prahlad’s story also contains a second warning: the threat from within. His tormentors are not only external but also familial — a reminder of CDS Bipin Rawat’s “2.5-front war”, with the “0.5 front” coming from inside. In this reading, hostility to PM Modi can harden into narratives that do not merely target a leader but damage India’s image itself.


India, like Prahlad, will rise above both external pressure and internal doubt. For many, this is a defining phase in the nation’s ascent — a civilisation moving with confidence towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Jai Hind.

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