Historic First: PM Modi Unveils Rs 100 Coin Featuring Bharat Mata at RSS Centenary Celebration

The Rs 100 coin displays the national emblem on one side and features an image of Bharat Mata on the reverse side.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative Rs 100 coin and a special postage stamp on Wednesday to commemorate the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This marks a historic moment as it represents the first-ever depiction of Bharat Mata on Indian currency.

The specially designed coin features the national emblem on one side, while the reverse displays a majestic representation of Bharat Mata in Varada Mudra accompanied by a lion. The design also shows swayamsevaks bowing before her in devotion and dedication.

During the launch ceremony, PM Modi emphasized the historical significance of this occasion, stating, "For the first time in the history of independent India the image of Bharat Mata has been featured on Indian currency which marks a moment of great pride and historical significance."

The commemorative coin also bears the RSS motto "Rashtray Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama," which translates to "Everything is dedicated to the nation, Everything is the nation's, Nothing is mine."

Alongside the coin, a special postal stamp was unveiled featuring RSS swayamsevaks participating in the 1963 Republic Day Parade, highlighting the organization's historical contributions to the nation.

Prime Minister Modi described the occasion as a proud tribute to both Bharat Mata and the RSS's century-long journey of service and dedication to the nation.

The centenary celebrations were organized by the Ministry of Culture with prominent attendees including RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

The RSS was founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar as a volunteer organization aimed at promoting cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility among citizens.

It's worth noting that PM Modi himself served as an RSS 'pracharak' (full-time worker) earlier in his career, establishing himself as an effective organizer before transitioning to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which draws its ideological foundation from the RSS's Hindutva philosophy.