New Delhi, July 17: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Friday lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for completing a century of public service, describing the organisation as a symbol of selfless dedication and national commitment. Speaking at the launch of the book RSS @100: A Century of Service, Unity & Sacrifice in the national capital, he reflected on the organisation’s growth over the last hundred years and its contribution to India’s social and cultural landscape.
Addressing an audience that included political leaders, RSS functionaries, authors, and academics, the Vice President said the centenary of the organisation marks an important milestone in the country’s voluntary service movement. He noted that the occasion was not only a celebration of history but also an opportunity to recognise the efforts of thousands of volunteers who have contributed to society over several decades.
RSS Compared to a Lifeline of Service
During his address, Radhakrishnan recalled a well-known Tamil poem that compares the RSS with the sacred river Ganga. Using the analogy, he said the organisation has consistently worked for the welfare of society without seeking recognition or reward.
According to him, just as the Ganga begins as a small stream before transforming into one of India’s greatest rivers, the RSS also started on a modest scale before evolving into one of the world’s largest volunteer-driven organisations. He said the comparison reflects the spirit of continuous service and dedication that has defined the organisation’s journey.
The Vice President remarked that the organisation’s growth over the past century has been driven by commitment rather than personal gain, allowing it to expand its presence across different parts of the country through voluntary participation.
Book Chronicles a Century of Organisational Journey
The newly released book, authored by Shyam Jaju and Anupam Trivedi, documents the evolution of the RSS from its inception to its present-day role in Indian public life. Congratulating the writers, Radhakrishnan appreciated their efforts in presenting the organisation’s history through detailed research and narratives.
He observed that the publication captures the guiding principles that have shaped the organisation over the decades and presents its contribution from historical, cultural, and social perspectives. According to him, such documentation provides readers with valuable insights into the institution’s development.
The Vice President said books documenting institutional histories play an important role in preserving records for future generations and encouraging informed discussions about their contributions.
Service, Unity and Sacrifice Central to Organisation’s Ideals
Reflecting on the title of the book, Radhakrishnan said the three themes—service, unity and sacrifice—represent values that have guided RSS volunteers since the organisation’s founding.
He explained that service represents dedication towards society, while unity symbolises efforts to strengthen bonds among people despite India’s immense linguistic, regional and cultural diversity. Sacrifice, he added, reflects the willingness of individuals to work for larger national causes without expecting personal benefits.
According to him, these values have inspired generations of volunteers to participate in activities ranging from community welfare to disaster relief and educational initiatives.
The Vice President stated that enduring institutions are built upon conviction, discipline and long-term commitment rather than short-term achievements.
Recognition of Volunteers During Centenary Year
Calling the centenary a significant national occasion, Radhakrishnan said it provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of countless volunteers who have dedicated their time to community development over many decades.
He remarked that every successful institution depends on ordinary citizens who willingly contribute to collective causes. Such dedication, he said, strengthens both society and national institutions.
He added that volunteer-driven initiatives continue to play an important role in promoting social harmony and public participation in nation-building.
Reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Journey
While discussing one of the chapters in the book, titled A Swayamsevak as PM: The Modi Era, the Vice President referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s journey from an RSS volunteer to the country’s highest elected office.
He said the publication highlights how the Prime Minister has consistently emphasised the principles of public service and the idea of “Nation First” while carrying out governance responsibilities.
According to Radhakrishnan, these principles align with the broader philosophy of dedication and national development that the organisation has advocated over the years.
Emphasis on India’s Cultural Heritage
The Vice President also noted that the RSS has worked towards promoting India’s civilisational heritage by encouraging awareness of the country’s traditions, languages and cultural diversity.
He said preserving cultural identity remains an important aspect of nation-building and that institutions working in this direction contribute to strengthening national consciousness.
Radhakrishnan observed that India’s rich heritage has always drawn strength from its diversity, and efforts to preserve cultural traditions help maintain continuity across generations.
Message from RSS General Secretary
RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who was unable to attend the programme, sent a message that was read during the event.
In his message, Hosabale congratulated the authors for documenting the organisation’s hundred-year journey. He said the book provides readers with historical information, addresses common misconceptions and presents several lesser-known episodes from the organisation’s evolution.
He expressed confidence that the publication would help readers better understand the organisation’s philosophy, activities and historical development.
Several Dignitaries Attend Ceremony
The book launch ceremony witnessed the presence of several prominent personalities from public life.
Among those attending were Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts President Ram Bahadur Rai, RSS Kshetra Sanghchalak Pawan Jindal, Prabhat Prakashan Managing Director Prabhat Kumar, along with co-authors Shyam Jaju and Anupam Trivedi.
The gathering reflected the significance attached to the release of the publication marking the RSS’s completion of 100 years.