Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations on the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accompanied by a special article. He noted that the RSS was founded on the auspicious Vijayadashami, marking a re-establishment of a long-standing tradition of national consciousness, which manifests to address the challenges of each era. Modi views the RSS as a contemporary manifestation of this enduring national spirit and acknowledged the privilege of the current generation of volunteers to experience this momentous occasion.
He conveyed his best wishes to the numerous volunteers dedicated to national service and offered his tributes to Dr. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS. The Indian government has commemorated the 100-year journey with a special postal stamp and commemorative coins.
Modi emphasized the RSS’s core principle: ‘Nation First.’ He drew a parallel between the RSS and great rivers, highlighting the organization’s role in nurturing countless lives and touching every aspect of society. The Sangh’s multifaceted journey, manifested through various affiliated organizations, serves the nation across diverse fields like education, agriculture, and social welfare, with the unified goal of prioritizing the nation.
He further highlighted the RSS’s commitment to nation-building through individual development, achieved through regular shakhas. These shakhas provide a platform for volunteers to transition from self-centeredness to a collective consciousness.
Modi stated that the RSS’s success over the last century rests on the goal of nation-building, a clear path of individual development, and a simple working method like shakhas. The RSS has shaped millions of volunteers who are contributing to nation-building.
Modi asserted that the RSS has always prioritized the nation, with its members actively participating in the freedom struggle. The RSS continued its national service post-independence, despite facing conspiracies and attempts to undermine it. The Sangh volunteers have always prioritized the well-being of society.
Modi said the RSS has always been patriotic and helpful. During the partition, the RSS volunteers helped many refugees, and they are always at the forefront of any disaster. Modi added that the volunteers are among the first to arrive during a natural disaster.
He also mentioned that during its 100-year journey, the RSS has awakened self-awareness and pride in society. The RSS has also worked in remote areas, preserving tribal traditions and values. Organizations like Seva Bharati, Vidya Bharati, Ekal Vidyalaya, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram have emerged as pillars of tribal empowerment.
Modi noted the RSS’s work on societal issues, such as discrimination and the caste system. He lauded the efforts of past and present leaders in combating these issues. He shared that the current Sarsanghchalak, Mohan Bhagwat, has set the goals of one well, one temple, and one cremation ground for social harmony.
Modi mentioned that the challenges facing the nation have evolved since the RSS’s inception, and the RSS has developed a roadmap to address them. He concluded by emphasizing that the RSS’s core principles—self-awareness, social harmony, family awareness, civic etiquette, and environmental protection—inspire volunteers to overcome the challenges facing the country. He also talked about the demographic challenges faced by the nation and how it needs to strengthen family culture and values. He ended by saying that the RSS is embarking on its next century of journey with these resolutions. He wished every volunteer the very best.