New Delhi: The second session of Organiser Weekly’s 80th Foundation Day events, called “Editor’s Take – My Days With Organiser”, included former editors Seshadri Chari and R. Balashankar discussing their time in charge, the magazine’s development and its consistent ideological focus across eight decades.
Speaking with current editor Prafulla Ketkar, Seshadri Chari (1992–2004) called himself an “accidental editor”. He explained how he assumed leadership in 1992 without prior editorial experience. His connection to the publication started as an RSS organiser in Mumbai, where he edited an English version of the Marathi journal Vivek. This work led senior RSS figures to move him to Delhi following the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign.
Chari noted that leaders including Rajju Bhaiya and Sudarshan informed him he would replace the unwell editor V. P. Bhatia. He had anticipated improving circulation instead. Early on, former editor K. R. Malkani advised him to keep a dictionary handy to avoid complex terms. Chari began with only Rs 200 for travel and a bicycle. When he left in 2004, records showed he had never received an appointment letter or salary.
R. Balashankar (2004–2013) called the event memorable and praised Ketkar for shifting Organiser to a magazine format and boosting its online reach. He observed that the publication once operated with few resources and now requires more careful editorial choices than during its years in opposition. During the Manmohan Singh government, political debates supplied ample material for stories. He described Organiser as an ideological guide for many volunteers and recalled Malkani’s fearless style. Advice to introduce changes slowly led to thematic issues that aided both content and finances. Senior RSS figures offered regular input, and he enjoyed full editorial independence despite financial limits. Its reach extended beyond readers, with senior journalists and the Prime Minister’s Office following its pieces during the UPA period.
