PM Modi Commemorates RSS Centenary: A Century of Nation Building and Service to India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered high praise for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during Wednesday's centenary celebrations, acknowledging the organization's century-long dedication to nation-building efforts. He emphasized that RSS has successfully nurtured and strengthened countless lives throughout its history.

Speaking at the RSS centenary event in the national capital, PM Modi drew a powerful metaphor: "Just as human civilizations flourish along the banks of mighty rivers, similarly, hundreds of lives have blossomed and thrived along the banks and in the flow of the RSS. Since its formation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has pursued a grand objective. That objective has been nation-building."

The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of RSS being founded on Vijayadashami exactly 100 years ago, noting this was no mere coincidence. He explained the festival's deep symbolism representing "the victory of good over evil, victory of justice over injustice, victory of truth over falsehoods, and victory of light over darkness."

Modi paid respectful tribute to RSS founder KB Hedgewar, commending his extraordinary commitment to national service. "It is the fortune of the volunteers of our generation that we have the opportunity to witness such a great occasion as the centenary year of the Sangh. On this occasion today, I extend my best wishes to the millions of volunteers dedicated to national service and congratulate them. I pay my humble tribute at the feet of the founder of the Sangh, our revered ideal, the most worshipful Dr Hedgewar ji," the Prime Minister stated.

During the celebration, PM Modi unveiled special commemorative items honoring the RSS's centennial, including a specially designed postage stamp and commemorative coin highlighting the organization's contributions to India. He described the unique Rs 100 coin featuring the National Emblem on one side and an image of Bharat Mata seated on a lion in 'varad mudra' with swayamsevaks bowing before her on the other - marking the first appearance of Bharat Mata on Indian currency in independent India's history.

The Prime Minister also noted the historical significance of the commemorative postal stamp, which depicts RSS Swayamsevaks proudly participating in the 1963 Republic Day Parade.

Modi emphasized the harmonious functioning of various RSS sub-organizations, explaining that they serve different aspects of national life without conflict or contradiction. "Different organisations within the RSS serve the nation by working for every part of life... The RSS further has many sub-organisations, but no two sub-organisations within the organisation contradict or have divisions with each other. The aim and essence of all the sub-organisations within the RSS is the same- Nation First," he remarked.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was established in 1925 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar as a volunteer-based organization focused on promoting cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility among Indian citizens.