Guwahati, 16 August (HS): The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will mark its centenary year on the upcoming Vijayadashami, completing 100 years since its foundation. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, RSS All India Joint Publicity Chief Pradeep Joshi said that the centenary celebrations will continue across the country for a full year, starting from Vijayadashami 2025 until Vijayadashami 2026.

Joshi informed that RSS has planned a series of organizational as well as social programs during the centenary year. Among the four organizational events, he highlighted: uniform gatherings, door-to-door contact programs, letters to both current and former swayamsevaks and seven-day special shakhas (training sessions).

In addition, four major social programs will also be organized: a large Hindu Sammelan, block-level social gatherings, discussions with leaders of various communities and organizations and youth skill development initiatives to inspire those below 40 years of age to contribute to nation-building.

Emphasizing the role of youth, Joshi said that to make India the world’s third-largest economy, young citizens must utilize their skills for national service. Referring to US tariffs on Indian goods, he invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s call for swadeshi, stressing the importance of “Vocal for Local” and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

When asked about criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise of the RSS in his Independence Day address, Joshi said, “Criticism is the job of opponents. The Prime Minister himself is a swayamsevak; hence, it is natural for him to acknowledge the contribution of the Sangh.”

He also mentioned that RSS volunteers have been working for the past 100 years in sectors like health, education, agriculture and social service, contributing significantly to nation-building.

On the issue of illegal immigration, Joshi termed it a serious concern for Assam and the country, stating that RSS will work with all sections of society to address the problem. He reminded that RSS volunteers have been active in Assam since 1950 and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to expand its activities to 100% block levels in the future.

The press conference was held at the Sudarshanalay, RSS’s regional headquarters in Guwahati, in the presence of Dr. Sunil Mohanty, Regional Publicity Chief and Kishore Shivam, Publicity Chief of North Assam region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash