PM Modi Praises RSS for Century of Nation-Building, Highlights Its Resilience Amid Challenges
PM Modi Commemorates RSS Centenary, Highlights Its Nation-Building Role and Resilience
New Delhi, Oct 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on its centenary celebrations, highlighting the organisation’s unwavering commitment to nation-building and its resilience despite facing numerous challenges over the years.
Addressing the centenary event, Modi lauded the RSS for promoting harmony, inclusivity, and the spirit of a united India across all regions of the country. “The Sangh has consistently worked for the nation, fighting colonial atrocities, providing shelter to freedom fighters, and its leaders faced imprisonment during the freedom struggle,” he said.
Modi acknowledged the many attempts to suppress the RSS through false allegations, bans, and other challenges. He noted that the organisation never responded with bitterness, citing former RSS chief Madhav Golwalkar’s words: “At times, the tongue may get caught under the teeth, but we do not break teeth.”
The Prime Minister emphasized the RSS’s steadfast belief in democracy and constitutional institutions, which empowered its swayamsevaks to face trials such as the Emergency. “Unity in diversity has always been the soul of India. Despite challenges, the RSS stands strong and tirelessly serves the nation,” he added.
To mark the centenary, Modi released a commemorative Rs 100 coin and a postage stamp. The coin features the national emblem on one side, while the other depicts Bharat Mata in Varada Mudra with a lion, with swayamsevaks bowing in devotion—making it the first time Bharat Mata has appeared on Indian currency.
The RSS, founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, has been dedicated to fostering patriotism, cultural awareness, discipline, and social responsibility among citizens. Modi, a former RSS ‘pracharak’, credited the organisation for shaping his early years in public service before he joined the BJP.
The centenary celebrations were organised by the Ministry of Culture and attended by RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
