New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attended 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 honoring the RSS’s contributions to the nation and addressed the gathering.
Founded in 1925 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS began as a volunteer-based organisation aimed at promoting cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility among citizens.
Earlier, while addressing the nation on Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi praised the RSS for its “unprecedented and inspiring” journey, marking 100 years since its establishment, coinciding with Vijayadashami.
“This Vijayadashami is special for another reason. It marks 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. A century-long journey that is remarkable, unprecedented, and inspiring,” the Prime Minister said.
Recalling his own association with the RSS, Modi noted that the organisation was founded during a period of national identity crisis in pre-Independence India.
“100 years ago, when the RSS was established, our nation had endured centuries of slavery, which deeply impacted our self-respect and confidence. The world’s oldest civilisation faced an identity crisis, and our citizens were grappling with an inferiority complex,” he said.
He added, “The revered Hedgewar ji founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Vijayadashami in 1925. Following Hedgewar ji, Guruji carried forward this noble mission of serving the nation.”
PM Modi lauded the RSS for its commitment to service, highlighting its support in disaster relief efforts and its “nation first” approach, and extended his best wishes for the centenary celebrations.
