PM Modi Hails RSS As ‘Virtuous Incarnation of Eternal National Consciousness’ At Centenary

PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday attended the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and described the organisation as the ‘virtuous incarnation’ of an ‘eternal national consciousness’ that has influenced every aspect of the nation.

RSS: A Century of Service

Founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS began as a volunteer-driven organisation focused on cultural awareness, discipline, and social responsibility. Over the last 100 years, it has grown into one of India’s most influential socio-cultural institutions.

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale attended the celebrations at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was also present. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta attended the event as well.

PM Modi began his address by paying homage to veteran BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 93, and to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.

The Prime Minister extended Navratri greetings, noting the coincidence of the celebration with Mahanavami and Vijayadashmi.

“Tomorrow is Vijayadashmi, a festival that showcases the victory of good over evil, justice over injustice, truth over falsehood, and light over darkness. The establishment of RSS 100 years ago was no coincidence,” he said.

RSS as the Embodiment of National Consciousness

Modi said, “From time to time, national consciousness emerges in different forms to tackle the challenges of that period. In this era, the Sangh is the virtuous incarnation of that eternal national consciousness. We are privileged to witness its centenary.”

The Prime Minister released a special Rs 100 coin and postage stamp to mark the occasion.

• The coin features the National Emblem on one side and Bharat Mata’s Varada Mudra, a lion, and a Swayamsevak bowing to her on the other. Modi noted it is the first time Bharat Mata has appeared on Indian currency.
• The postal stamp commemorates the participation of RSS Swayamsevaks in the 1963 Republic Day Parade.

Modi highlighted that RSS and its affiliates have contributed to education, healthcare, social welfare, and disaster relief. Volunteers have actively participated in relief efforts during floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and other natural disasters, often serving on the frontlines.

The Prime Minister emphasised that all RSS sub-organisations work together under one purpose — ‘Rashtriya Pratham’ (Nation First) — and that no two sub-organisations contradict or conflict with each other.

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