As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks 100 years since its establishment in 1925, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the organization's "nation first" spirit and highlighted its significant contributions to India.

A Century of Service and Nation-Building

Founded by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Vijayadashami, the RSS was established as a volunteer-based organization with the goal of fostering cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility among citizens. The RSS aimed to unite the Hindu community, instill "Hindu discipline," and establish a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation).

PM Modi emphasized that the RSS has been synonymous with patriotism and service from its inception. He recalled the organization's role during the Partition of India, when millions of families were displaced, and RSS volunteers stood at the forefront with limited resources to serve the refugees. He stressed that this was not merely relief work but also an act of strengthening the soul of the nation.

Contribution to Society

The Prime Minister noted that one of the most significant contributions of the RSS over its 100-year journey has been awakening self-awareness and pride among diverse sections of society. He also highlighted the RSS's consistent work in the most remote and inaccessible regions of the country, especially among India's tribal communities. He mentioned that while successive governments often overlooked these communities, the Sangh prioritized their culture, festivals, languages, and traditions. Institutions such as Sewa Bharati, Vidya Bharati, Ekal Vidyalayas, and the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram have become strong pillars of empowerment for tribal communities.

Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the RSS ignited the spirit of nation-building and cultural awareness among the people. RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale said that the works and activities of RSS can be witnessed in every corner of the country and that the volunteers of the organization are actively engaged in various activities related to social development, national service, security, and welfare, while binding societies.

Prime Minister's Address and Commemorative Release

Addressing the centenary celebrations in New Delhi, PM Modi emphasized that the nation today faces challenges that directly target its unity, culture, and security, ranging from separatist ideologies and regionalism to disputes over caste and language and divisive tendencies incited by external forces. He stressed the need to continuously reinforce the foundational ethos of "unity in diversity".

The Prime Minister also released a specially designed commemorative postage stamp and coin highlighting the RSS’s contributions to the nation. The ₹100 coin features the national emblem on one side and an image of 'Bharat Mata' in 'Varad Mudra' with a lion, being saluted by swayamsevaks, on the other. PM Modi highlighted that this is possibly the first time in independent India's history that Bharat Mata's image has appeared on Indian currency.

BJP national spokesperson C.R. Kesavan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for honoring the RSS on its centenary celebrations, calling it a "true testimony" to the organization's selfless patriotic service and significant contributions to nation-building and a "sterling tribute" to the RSS's role in instilling nationalistic pride in citizens.

Ideology and Influence

The RSS was founded to propagate the ideology of Hindutva and to provide "new physical strength" to the majority community. The organization aims to spread the ideology of Hindutva to "strengthen" the Hindu community and promotes an ideal of upholding an Indian culture and its "civilizational values". The RSS has been described as being "founded on the premise of Hindu supremacy" and has been accused of intolerance of minorities, particularly Muslims.

The RSS is the progenitor and leader of a large body of Hindutva organizations called the Sangh Parivar, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling political party under Narendra Modi.

Note: It is important to acknowledge that the RSS has faced controversies and criticism throughout its history, including bans by the Indian government. These controversies often stem from its association with Hindu nationalism and allegations of promoting communal tensions.