M.C. Jayadev was a model Swayamsevak: S. Ramanna 

Mysuru: Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Pracharak S. Ramanna described M.C. Jayadev as an exemplary swayamsevak who lived by the conviction that the Sangh was indispensable to society. 

Speaking at the release of the book ‘Avishranta Dhyeyajeevi’ at Madhava Kripa premises on JLB Road on Sunday evening, Ramanna recalled Jayadev’s lifelong dedication to the RSS and his unwavering commitment to its ideals. 

The programme was jointly organised by Akhila Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad (Mysuru Unit), Rashtrotthana Sahitya, Vanavasi Kalyan and Manthana Mysuru. 

Ramanna said Jayadev’s life was guided by the principles “Sangham Sharanam Gachchhami” and “Dharmam Sharanam Gachchhami.” A seeker by nature, he found fulfilment through service and devotion to a larger cause,  he noted. 

Referring to the book, Ramanna said it was not one to be read and forgotten. Rather, it offers guidance to those facing doubt, despair or confusion, illustrating how commitment to the Sangh can provide purpose and clarity. 

“In the Sangh, there is no place for personality cults or self-promotion. Even the greatest individuals are not elevated as idols. This book presents Jayadev’s Sangh-centric personality without excessive praise or criticism,” he said. 

Dedicated to nation-building 

Jayadev, who remained a bachelor, dedicated more than four decades of his life to social service. He became a Pracharak in 1995 and later guided swayamsevaks from Keshava Kripa. He served as Sah-Kshetriya Pracharak in 2002, Kshetriya Pracharak in 2004 and from 2015, as Senior Pracharak, continuing to mentor the organisation. 

Recalling his personal association with Jayadev, Ramanna said their homes on Ramanuja Road in Mysuru were adjacent and that Jayadev’s active involvement in Sangh activities had inspired him to become a full-time worker. 

Jayadev also played a key role in the growth of Rashtrotthana Parishat after its establishment in 1965, serving as its chief administrator for nearly three decades. His contributions to education, healthcare and literature were instrumental in strengthening the institution. 

He was equally influential in the organisational development of Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram in Karnataka. During the Emergency in 1975, he joined the first satyagraha team at Basavanagudi in Bengaluru and was imprisoned later that year. 

The book was released by industrialist Dr. M. Jagannath Shenoy, who presided. Senior writer and Mysuru Mithra columnist Dr. V. Ranganath conducted the proceedings and highlighted Jayadev’s enduring legacy of service and sacrifice.