PM Modi Marks RSS Centennial by Honoring Its Role in Independence Movement

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a special commemorative coin and postage stamp in October 2025. During the centenary celebration event, Modi announced that, for the first time in Indian history, a coin features an image of Bharat Mata (Mother India). The government also engraved the RSS’s motto—“Rashtraya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama”—on the coin, which means, “Everything is for the nation, everything belongs to the nation, nothing is mine.” Modi emphasized that these symbolic releases honor not just an organisation, but a century of national service, sacrifice, and cultural pride.

Also Read : Nitin Gadkari Major Warning After Operation Sindoor: ‘World War III Could Erupt Anytime

RSS’s Role in the Freedom Struggle and Nation-Building

The Prime Minister reflected on the RSS’s role in India’s freedom struggle during the occasion. He said the organisation and its members endured suffering and imprisonment under British rule and from the Nizams of Hyderabad. Modi recalled that RSS founder Dr. K.B. Hedgewar went to jail for his participation in the independence fight. He emphasized that, despite often lacking recognition, many RSS members actively supported the freedom movement and sheltered freedom fighters during difficult times. He also mentioned the 1942 Chimur agitation in Maharashtra, where British forces harshly targeted RSS swayamsevaks.

Modi noted that RSS founders chose Vijayadashami (Dussehra) in 1925 to establish the organisation, symbolizing good’s victory over evil. He said this deliberate choice reflects the Sangh’s alignment with India’s timeless civilizational values. Modi described the centenary not just as 100 years of RSS, but as a revival of a tradition thousands of years old. “We are fortunate to witness this historic moment,” he added, calling the Sangh a moral and social force that continues guiding the nation.

Also Read : Donald Trump launches $15 billion lawsuit targeting The New York Times

Celebrating a Century: Symbolism, Sacrifice, and Sangh’s Vision for India

Modi praised the diverse wings of the RSS, which work in education, health, social upliftment, and disaster relief. He said these wings function harmoniously without internal conflict because they share the core belief of “Nation First.” Despite their different roles, each wing stays connected through a common vision to build a united, strong, and self-reliant India.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the challenges RSS faced after independence. He said authorities tried to crush or sideline the organisation through bans, conspiracies, and misinformation campaigns. Despite these efforts, the RSS stayed committed to democracy and constitutional values. Modi pointed to the Sangh’s resilience during the Emergency, when its volunteers faced arrests but never lost faith in India’s democratic institutions. “RSS never turned bitter,” he said. “It never separated itself from society but always worked as part of it, with faith and discipline.”

Also Read : Donald Trump launches $15 billion lawsuit targeting The New York Times