New Delhi, October 1 (HS). Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the special ceremony organized on Wednesday on the centenary anniversary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), described the Sangh's 100-year journey as an extraordinary example of sacrifice, selfless service, and nation-building. He said that the festival of Vijayadashami is a symbol of the victory of good over evil, and it was on this very day in 1925 that Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the Sangh.

Prime Minister Modi said, “The founding of the Sangh was not a coincidence but a collective effort for the renaissance of Indian culture and tradition. It was the sacred embodiment of national consciousness.” Extending greetings to the countrymen on the occasions of Navratri and Vijayadashami, the Prime Minister said that this generation is fortunate to witness the historic occasion of the Sangh's centenary year.

On this historic occasion, the Government of India released a commemorative 100-rupee coin and a special postage stamp. One side of the coin bears the national emblem, while the other side depicts a magnificent image of Bharat Mata. The Prime Minister said that, for the first time in the history of independent India, the image of Bharat Mata has been inscribed on currency. The postage stamp depicts the moment of 1963 when the Sangh's volunteers participated for the first time in the Republic Day Parade.

Prime Minister Modi said that the Sangh, through the discipline and dedication of its volunteers, has touched every dimension of society. He said, “Whether it is agriculture, science, tribal welfare, women empowerment, social service, or the interests of laborers – the current of the Sangh has remained flowing in every domain. The objective of the Sangh is nation-building, and its daily shakha (branch gathering) is the foundation of its working methodology.”

Recalling all the volunteers and their families, he said that lakhs of workers have dedicated their lives in service to the nation. Paying homage to the revered Dr. Hedgewar, the Prime Minister said that his thoughts and resolutions propelled India toward a new era. The Prime Minister added that in the centenary year of the Sangh, we must further strengthen our resolve for national service. He called upon all countrymen to move forward, keeping the welfare of society and the nation as paramount.

On this occasion, RSS Sarkaryawah Dattatreya Hosabale said that Vijayadashami has special significance in the journey of the Sangh, for it was on this day that the organization was founded. He said that on Vijayadashami tomorrow, the Sangh will enter its 101st year and that the coming time would be even more significant in the direction of nation-building.He said that the work of the Sangh is not for competition or to answer anyone, but solely for the service of society and the nation. Volunteers of the Sangh are active in every sphere of social life and are working as strong symbols of patriotism, service, and discipline.

At the program, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the journey begun in Nagpur by Dr. Hedgewar has today transformed into the world’s largest cultural and social organization. Shekhawat said that the Sangh, by giving the mantra of individual development leading to social development and, from social development to nation-building, has provided a new direction to India.

He said, “In every field of society, the Sangh has worked. From natural calamities to social concerns, the Sangh’s volunteers are always visible in the frontline. With discipline and unity, the Sangh has constantly worked to connect society.”

It is noteworthy that the Sangh was founded in 1925 on the day of Vijayadashami in Nagpur. Since then, the Sangh has remained active in various spheres of society, and the dedication of its volunteers has made it the world’s largest volunteer organization.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar