Establishment of RSS on 'Dussehra' 100 years ago was no coincidence: PM Modi in Delhi

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.

At the centenary celebrations of RSS, PM Modi said, "Sangh shakha ka maidaan ek aisi prernabhoomi hai, jahan se ek swayamsewak ki aham (I) se vayam (we) ki yatra shuru hoti hai...". 

"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.

At the centenary celebrations of RSS, PM Modi said, "Different organisations within the RSS serve the nation by working for every part of life... The RSS further has many sub-organisations, but no two sub-organisations within the organisation contradict or have divisions with each other. The aim and essence of all the sub-organisations within the RSS is the same- Nation First."

PM Modi said, "It is the fortune of the volunteers of our generation that we have the opportunity to witness a great occasion like the centenary year of the Sangh. On this occasion today, I extend my best wishes to the millions of volunteers dedicated to national service and congratulate them. I pay my humble tribute at the feet of the founder of the Sangh, our revered ideal, the most worshipful Dr Hedgewar Ji."

At the centenary celebrations of RSS, PM Narendra Modi said, "Tomorrow (October 2) is Vijayadashmi, a festival which symbolises the victory of good over evil, victory of justice over injustice, victory of truth over falsehoods, and victory of light over darkness.The establishment of RSS as an organisation on this great day 100 years ago, was no coincidence." 

"The glorious 100-year journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is an extraordinary example of sacrifice, selfless service, nation-building, and discipline. I am feeling immensely proud to be a part of the RSS centenary celebration," said PM Modi. 

PM Narendra Modi released a specially designed commemorative postage stamp and coin highlighting the RSS’ contributions to the nation, on the occasion of the organisation's centenary celebrations.

PM Modi participates in RSS centenary celebrations. He will shortly release a commemorative postage stamp and coin to mark the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which was founded on Vijayadashmi in 1925.

PM Narendra Modi arrives at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre to participate in the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the Chief Guest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil specially crafted commemorative postage stamps and coins highlighting the contributions of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the nation during its centenary celebrations in New Delhi on October 1, 2025.

On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks the completion of 100 years since its establishment. For the past century, lakhs of its volunteers have been serving the nation with the spirit of "Nation First." Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that tomorrow, October 1, at around 10:30 AM, he will participate in the RSS Centenary Celebration in New Delhi. On this occasion, a special commemorative coin and postage stamp will also be released.

The centenary celebrations not only highlight a century of the Sangh’s organisational work but also recognise its continued influence on India’s cultural and social landscape. With its focus on building national character and unity, the RSS remains a key player in grassroots mobilisation and community initiatives across the country.

Since its inception, the RSS has grown into one of the world’s largest volunteer-based organisations. Its activities extend across education, health, social welfare, and rural development. Through its affiliated bodies, the Sangh has been instrumental in youth empowerment, women’s participation, and farmers’ welfare, while also responding promptly to calamities like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones.

Highlighting the organisation’s philosophy, Modi underlined its guiding principle of “nation first.” He acknowledged the RSS’s active participation in relief work during natural disasters and praised its role in strengthening social cohesion. The movement, he said, has worked towards shaping discipline, patriotism, courage, and all-round development, or Sarvangeena Unnati, for India.

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 emphasized that Hedgewar, and later MS Golwalkar (“Guruji”), carried forward the mission of national service and cultural renaissance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the Chief Guest on 1st October 2025 at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, at 10:30 AM, said the Prime Minister's Office.