Bhaiyyaji Joshi

Suresh "Bhaiyyaji" Joshi (born 28 November 1947) is a prominent member of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was Sarkaryawah (General Secretary, the second in command) of RSS from 2009 to 2021 when he stepped down on health grounds.^[1]

Bhaiyyaji Joshi
National Committee member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
In office March 2009 – March 2021
Preceded by	Mohan Bhagwat
Succeeded by	Dattatreya Hosabale
Personal details
Born	Suresh Joshi (1947-11-28) 28 November 1947 (age 76) Indore, Indore State, India

Early life

Joshi was born on 28 November 1947 in Indore. He got his early education at Indore, however, he moved to Thane for higher studies and earned his bachelor's degree in arts. He got associated with RSS at a very early age.^[2]

Association with RSS

Joshi became Pracharak of RSS in 1975. He has served as Sah-sarakaryavah (Additional General Secretary) and Akhil Bharatiya Seva Pramukh. He was elected as Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) of RSS in 2009.^[3] He stepped down in 2021 for health reasons and was replaced by Dattatreya Hosabale as Sara-Kaaryavaaha.^[1]

Views

Joshi is strongly opposed to Christian proselytism in India, claiming that Christian missionaries are exploiting poor and ignorant Hindus to convert them, although he said that he is not opposed to individuals changing faith out of the free will.^[4]

References

1. "Dattatreya Hosabale becomes RSS general secretary, replacing Bhaiyyaji Joshi". Hindustan Times. 20 March 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
2. "माननीय श्री सुरेश भैयाजी जोशी चौथी बार बने संघ के सरकार्यवाह". swadeshnews.in. 10 March 2018. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
3. Dahat, Pavan (14 March 2015). "Bhaiyyaji Joshi re-elected RSS general secretary". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 5 December 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
4. "RSS leader slams Church for 'exploiting and converting' people". India Today. 9 February 2020. Archived from the original on 10 February 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2021.