Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its century-long contribution to India during its centenary celebrations on Wednesday in Nagpur. He emphasized that the RSS has consistently prioritized the idea of nation first while facing numerous challenges and attacks throughout its history.
Participating in the momentous event, Modi highlighted the RSS’s significant role in nation-building and underscored its efforts to foster harmony. The Prime Minister elaborated, “The Sangh has fought against British atrocities, offered shelter to freedom fighters, and the founder, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, faced imprisonment multiple times during our struggle for independence.”
In reference to historical struggles, Modi recalled how the RSS faced bans and false accusations but still thrived with resilience. He quoted former RSS chief Madhav Golwalkar, who said, “At times, the tongue may get caught under the teeth, but we do not break the teeth.” Such wisdom resonated as the Prime Minister reflected on the complete commitment of the organization to peace and unity.
Modi praised RSS’s unwavering confidence in democracy during the Emergency, stating, “Two core values—oneness with society and faith in constitutional institutions—have kept swayamsevaks composed in every crisis.” These principles have fostered a strong sense of community throughout the decades.
To mark this historic occasion, PM Modi released a special ₹100 commemorative coin alongside a postal stamp. The coin features the national emblem and, for the first time in independent India, depicts Bharat Mata in Varada Mudra accompanied by a lion and swayamsevaks in devotion. The postal stamp illustrates the RSS’s participation in the 1963 Republic Day Parade.
“This is a moment of great pride as Bharat Mata has been featured on Indian currency for the first time,” Modi asserted, emphasizing the profound significance of this memorialization.
Moreover, Modi reflected on the RSS’s unwavering service during critical national events such as the 1962 Indo-China War, the 1971 refugee crisis, and the communal tensions during the 1984 riots. He reaffirmed the organization’s continuous pledge to the values of equality, compassion, and unity. The Prime Minister commended current Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat’s initiative for “one well, one temple, one cremation ground” as a transformative pursuit to eradicate discrimination.
In response, Dattatreya Hosabale, the general secretary of RSS, expressed gratitude to the government for acknowledging their century-long service. He described the coin and stamp release as a tribute to the selfless efforts of swayamsevaks since the organization’s inception in 1925.
