New Delhi, 1 October (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on October 1, 2025, marking 100 years since the founding of the RSS. He delivered an elaborate and detailed speech highlighting the RSS’s historic journey, its tireless dedication to nation-building, and its enduring contributions to India’s cultural, social, and national landscape.
Significance of RSS Centenary and Occasion
PM Modi began his address coinciding with Maha Navami of Navratri and emphasized the symbolic significance of the RSS’s establishment on Vijayadashami a century ago. He noted that RSS’s founding on this auspicious day was no coincidence but a restoration of the ancient tradition of national consciousness responding dynamically to every era’s challenges. The festival's traditional symbolism of victory of good over evil, justice over injustice, truth over falsehood, and light over darkness was poignantly connected to the RSS’s mission and values .
Tribute to RSS Founder and Commemorative Releases
The Prime Minister paid heartfelt tribute to Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of RSS, describing him as a revered ideal and the guiding light behind the Sangh’s dedication to national service. To honor RSS's century-long journey, the government released a specially designed postage stamp and a ₹100 commemorative coin. The coin uniquely features an image of Bharat Mata in Varad Mudra seated on a lion, with swayamsevaks paying homage—marking the first time Bharat Mata's image has appeared on Indian currency. The postage stamp commemorates the historic participation of RSS swayamsevaks in the 1963 Republic Day parade, symbolizing pride and patriotism.
RSS’s Role in Nation-Building and Society
Prime Minister Modi elaborated that the RSS has been fundamentally focused on nation-building through individual development and social service via its shakhas (branches). He described shakhas as grounds of inspiration, fostering a journey from “me” to “we” and embodying physical, mental, and social growth. The Sangh’s work, spanning education, agriculture, social welfare, tribal upliftment, women empowerment, arts, sciences, and labor, flows like multiple rivers nourishing the diverse fields of Indian society, driven by the unifying motto “Nation First.” PM Modi celebrated the Sangh’s capacity for self-sacrifice, social harmony, and steadfast faith in constitutional values despite adversities and conspiracies faced over the decades .
Historical Contributions and Social Impact
Drawing from historical moments, PM Modi recalled contributions by RSS volunteers to India’s freedom struggle, relief during Partition, natural disaster responses such as the Anjar earthquake (1956), support in wars (1962 and 1971), and assisting vulnerable communities during times of crisis, including the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sangh’s work is rooted in fostering self-respect and social awareness across all walks of life, particularly among India’s tribal populations through groups like Seva Bharati and Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. The RSS’s long-standing fight against social evils like caste discrimination was poignantly acknowledged, with the PM quoting revered Sangh leaders who championed social harmony, equality, and inclusivity.
Contemporary Challenges and Vision for India 2047
The Prime Minister assessed contemporary challenges India faces—economic dependencies, conspiracies threatening national unity, demographic manipulation, and divisive forces—and applauded the government’s swift actions towards these issues. He highlighted five transformative resolutions guiding the RSS and its swayamsevaks: self-awareness, social harmony, family enlightenment, civic discipline, and environmental consciousness. Each resolution aims to empower citizens to confront these challenges effectively and work towards making India a developed, harmonious, and globally respected nation by 2047. The vision articulated involved nurturing a society rooted in Indian cultural values, constitutional duty, ecological balance, and collective progress.
Closing Remarks and Participants
PM Modi concluded by reaffirming the RSS’s mission to deepen Indian cultural roots, ignite the spirit of public service, and strengthen India’s voice internationally. He extended congratulations to all on this historic milestone. Alongside the Prime Minister, dignitaries including Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekawat, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale were present at the event .
This comprehensive address by PM Narendra Modi at the RSS centenary celebrated the organization’s hundred-year legacy of dedicated service, social transformation, and nation-building, highlighting its past accomplishments and charting a visionary roadmap for India’s future. The commemorative postage stamp and coin symbolize the nation's gratitude and recognition for the RSS’s significant role in India’s socio-cultural and national fabric.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
