Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative postage stamp and a ₹100 coin to mark the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in New Delhi. The event was organised by the Ministry of Culture as part of RSS’s 100 years (1925–2025) celebrations, honouring its historical, cultural, and social contributions to nation-building.
Key Highlights
₹100 Commemorative Coin:
- Obverse side: National emblem of India.
- Reverse side: Depicts Bharat Mata in Varada Mudra (gesture of offering) accompanied by a lion, with Swayamsevaks bowing before her.
- Features the RSS motto: “Rashtriya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama”
Meaning – “Everything is dedicated to the nation, nothing is mine.”
Significance:
- For the first time in India’s history, Bharat Mata’s image has been featured on official Indian currency.
- Marks a historic moment in recognising India’s civilizational identity.
Commemorative Postal Stamp:
- Highlights RSS volunteers’ participation in the 1963 Republic Day Parade, symbolising their role in social unity and national service.
Aim of the Release:
- To honour the RSS’s century-long contribution to social service, cultural revival, and nation-building.
- Recognises relief efforts by RSS workers during Kedarnath floods (2013), Bihar floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
About RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh)
- Founded: 27 September 1925
- Founder: Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar
- Headquarters: Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Current Sarsanghchalak (Chief): Mohan Bhagwat
- Type: Hindu nationalist volunteer organisation
- Motto: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family)
Ideology and Activities
- The RSS promotes Hindutva ideology, focusing on Indian cultural unity, discipline, and selfless service (Seva).
- Organisational Structure:
- Operates through Shakhas (daily branches) across India and abroad.
- Conducts physical, intellectual, and moral training.
- Inspired Organisations (Sangh Parivar):
- Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP)
- Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)
- Bajrang Dal
- Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh
- Bharatiya Kisan Sangh
Historical Context and Key Phases
| Period | Event | Remarks |
| 1925 | Founded by Dr. Hedgewar | Aim: Hindu cultural awakening under British rule. |
| 1948 | Banned after Gandhi’s assassination by Nathuram Godse | Lifted in 1949 after assurance of loyalty to Constitution. |
| 1975–77 | Banned during Emergency (Indira Gandhi) | RSS leaders played key role in resistance; ban lifted post-Emergency. |
| 1992 | Banned after Babri Masjid demolition | Lifted in 1993 after judicial clearance. |
Contributions and Influence
Social Welfare:
- Relief operations in natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, cyclones), COVID-19 pandemic, and blood donation drives.
Education and Society:
- Established Vidya Bharati schools and Ekal Vidyalayas in tribal/rural areas.
Political Influence:
- RSS is the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- Many BJP leaders, including PM Narendra Modi, began as RSS pracharaks (full-time workers).
Key Facts
| Topic | Fact |
| Founder of RSS | Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar |
| Successor to Hedgewar | M.S. Golwalkar (Guruji) |
| RSS Headquarters | Reshimbagh, Nagpur, Maharashtra |
| RSS Motto (Coin) | “Rashtriya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama” |
| RSS Ideological Base | Hindutva, national unity, and cultural nationalism |
| First Appearance of Bharat Mata on Currency | ₹100 commemorative coin (2025) |
| Ministry Behind the Commemoration | Ministry of Culture |
| RSS Training Units | Shakhas (daily gatherings for training and discipline) |
| RSS-linked Organisations | BJP, VHP, ABVP, Seva Bharati, Kisan Sangh |
| Founded Year of RSS | 1925 (marks 100 years in 2025) |
Significance of Centenary Celebration
- Recognises RSS’s 100 years of contribution to national integration and cultural revival.
- Promotes selfless service, unity, and patriotic values among citizens.
- Highlights India’s growing emphasis on civilizational pride and cultural identity in the global arena.