PM Modi Praises Swayamsevaks On RSS Centenary; Calls For ‘Nation First’

As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks its 100th anniversary on Vijayadashami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Swayamsevaks who have dedicated their lives to the ideal of ‘nation first’.

In a detailed blog post, he recalled the founding of the Sangh by Dr KB Hedgewar on Vijayadashami a century ago, describing it as a continuation of India’s timeless national consciousness adapted to meet contemporary challenges.

Extending greetings to Swayamsevaks, PM Modi paid homage to Dr Hedgewar, noting, “On Vijaya Dashami, a hundred years ago, the RSS was born with the aim of working towards serving society and nation building. Over a hundred years, innumerable Swayamsevaks devoted their lives towards fulfilling this vision. Here are my thoughts.”

Drawing a parallel with rivers enriching every land they touch, the Prime Minister highlighted the Sangh’s work in diverse fields such as education, agriculture, social welfare, tribal welfare, and women’s empowerment.

He emphasised that while these fields differ, all Swayamsevaks embody the single spirit of ‘Nation First’.

PM Modi underscored the Sangh’s philosophy of Vyakti Nirmaan se Rashtra Nirmaan — nation-building through character-building.

The daily shakha fosters personal transformation, guiding members from ‘I’ to ‘We’ and shaping their contribution to society.

Historical Contributions

Recalling the Sangh’s historical role, PM Modi noted that from its inception, the organisation prioritised the nation.

Dr Hedgewar and many Swayamsevaks actively participated in the freedom struggle, often facing imprisonment.

After Independence, the Sangh continued its service through relief efforts during Partition, natural disasters, and other crises, strengthening national unity.

The Prime Minister lauded institutions such as Sewa Bharati, Vidya Bharati, Ekal Vidyalayas, and Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram for empowering tribal communities.

He also praised the Sangh’s ongoing fight against caste discrimination and untouchability, guided by the messages of past leaders like Pujya Guruji, Balasaheb Deoras, Rajju Bhaiya, and Sudarshan Ji.

Present Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has furthered this vision, promoting unity through initiatives such as one well, one temple, and one cremation ground for all communities.

PM Modi highlighted the RSS’s readiness to tackle modern challenges, including economic independence, national security, and social harmony.

The Sangh’s Panch Parivartan framework — Sva-Bodh (self-awareness), Samajik Samrasta (social harmony), Kutumb Prabodhan (family values), Nagrik Shishtachar (civic responsibility), and Paryavaran (environment protection) — provides guidance for today’s Swayamsevaks.

Concluding his message, PM Modi noted that the RSS will continue playing a crucial role in India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

He extended his best wishes to all Swayamsevaks, acknowledging their dedication to national service and social transformation.

Also Read: PM Modi Extends Vijayadashami Greetings; Urges Nation To Walk Path Of Courage & Truth