RSS centenary celebrations event: RSS was founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar as a volunteer-driven organisation, created with the objective of promoting cultural consciousness, instilling discipline, and encouraging a spirit of service and social responsibility among citizens.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the Chief Guest on October 1 (Wednesday) at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. On this occasion, PM released a specially designed commemorative coin and postage stamp dedicated to the RSS’s contributions to the nation. Earlier, while delivering his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Modi described the RSS’s 100-year journey as “amazing, unprecedented, and inspiring.” He noted that this year’s Vijayadashami holds special significance, as it marks the centenary of the organisation, founded in 1925 by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur. Modi recalled that the Sangh was established at a time when India faced an identity crisis under colonial rule, with citizens suffering a loss of self-confidence and self-respect. He emphasised that Hedgewar, and later MS Golwalkar (“Guruji”), carried forward the mission of national service and cultural renaissance. Highlighting the organisation’s philosophy, Modi underlined its guiding principle of “nation first.” 

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the five key transformations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, self-realisation, social harmony, family enlightenment, civic courtesy, and care for the environment. He said these resolutions serve as a powerful inspiration for every volunteer, guiding them to face and overcome the challenges confronting the nation.

The RSS works with different sections of society but there are never contradictions among its various wings as they work on the principle of nation first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Wednesday. PM Modi, who released a postal stamp to mark 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), noted that Sangh volunteers have been tirelessly devoted to serving the nation and empowering society. "The commemorative stamp released today is a tribute, recalling RSS volunteers proudly marching in the 1963 Republic Day parade. Since its founding, the RSS has focused on nation-building. The RSS works in different sections of society but there are never contradictions among its various wings as they work on principle of nation first," he said.

"RSS works in different sections of society; but there are never contradictions among them as they work on principle of nation first. RSS believes in 'One India, Great India', yet post-Independence, attempts were made to prevent it from joining national mainstream," said PM Modi.