The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) commenced its highly anticipated centenary lecture series on August 26, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The three-day event, titled "100 Years Journey of RSS: New Horizons," marks a significant milestone for the organization as it approaches its 100th anniversary. The lecture series is designed as a platform for dialogue and engagement with a diverse array of individuals, including dignitaries, thinkers, global diplomats, and representatives from various fields.
A Gathering of Influential Voices
The inaugural day of the lecture series witnessed the presence of numerous prominent personalities. Yoga guru Ramdev, leader K.C. Tyagi from the JDU party, Bollywood actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, and Union Ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia and Anupriya Patel were among the notable dignitaries in attendance.
In a notable outreach, the RSS extended invitations to over 50 foreign embassies, including those of the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Diplomats, opposition leaders, industry leaders, startup founders, defense experts, and members of minority communities, such as Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists, were also expected to participate. The presence of diplomats from over two dozen embassies, including major powers and neighboring countries, highlighted the international interest in the event. Representatives from think tanks like ORF, Infinity Foundation, HSS and TEDx India, and corporate representatives were also present.
Mohan Bhagwat's Vision for India
A central focus of the first day was the address by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who shared his vision for the future of India and the role of "swayamsevaks" (RSS volunteers) in shaping it. Bhagwat reflected on the founding of the RSS in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and emphasized India's spiritual leadership role. He called for harmony with "coordination, not confrontation". Bhagwat also stated that the DNA of people living in undivided India for over 40,000 years is the same and that living in harmony is their culture. He asserted that the RSS's objective is to make the country a "vishwaguru" (global leader) and that the time for India's contribution to the world has arrived.
Bhagwat's remarks also touched upon the concept of "Hindutva," emphasizing that it is all-encompassing and not anti-minority or sectarian. He urged all communities to understand the RSS through dialogue, not prejudice, and called upon society to work together for the nation's future.
Centenary Celebrations and Future Plans
The lecture series is part of a broader effort by the RSS to commemorate its centenary year. The organization has planned a series of events across the country, including more than one lakh 'Hindu sammelans'. There are also plans to conduct a nationwide door-to-door public contact program during its centenary year. These events aim to promote social festivals, unity, harmony, and the 'panch parivartan' (five transformations): Social Harmony, Family Enlightenment, Environmental Awareness, Self-Identity, and Civic Duties. The RSS also aims to boost its local branches to over 100,000.
Subsequent sessions are planned in Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai in the coming months. These events will delve into various themes, including youth and entrepreneurship, women's leadership, national security, cultural identity, institutional decolonization, and social harmony. The lecture series is viewed as a defining moment for the RSS, aiming to showcase its intellectual and cultural side to a global audience and reframe perceptions of the organization.
