Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday joined the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the Chief Guest at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister released a specially designed commemorative postage stamp and coin highlighting the RSS’s contributions to the nation.
In a post on X, the PM wrote in Hindi: “The glorious 100-year journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is an extraordinary example of sacrifice, selfless service, nation-building, and discipline. I am feeling immensely proud to be a part of the RSS centenary celebration.”
Founded in 1925 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS was established as a volunteer-based organisation with the aim of fostering cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility among citizens.
Earlier on Sunday, while addressing the nation on Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi hailed the RSS for its “unprecedented and inspiring” journey, as the organisation prepares to complete 100 years on Vijayadashami.
“This Vijayadashami is very special for another reason. This day marks 100 years since the foundation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. This journey of a century is as amazing, unprecedented, and inspiring as it is,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister added that the Sangh was formed amid an identity crisis in India before Independence.
“100 years ago, when the RSS was founded, the country had been bound in the chains of slavery for centuries. This long period of subjugation had deeply affected our self-respect and self-confidence. The world’s oldest civilisation was facing an identity crisis, and our citizens were struggling with an inferiority complex,” he said.
“The most revered Hedgewar ji founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami in 1925. After Hedgewar’s passing, Guruji carried forward this great mission of serving the nation,” PM Modi added.
Lauding the teachings of the RSS, he praised the Sangh for its support in relief work during natural disasters in the country, commended its “nation first” approach, and extended his best wishes for the centenary celebrations.