During the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the organization’s sacrifices in India’s independence movement, highlighting that members, including founder Dr. KB Hedgewar, were jailed for their nationalist efforts. Modi noted that RSS volunteers endured oppression from both the British and the Nizams but remained steadfast in their dedication to prioritizing the nation. To honor the milestone, Modi unveiled a unique postage stamp and coin, which for the first time features the image of Bharat Mata on Indian currency. The coin also displays the RSS motto, “Rashtray Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama” (Everything is for the nation, nothing is mine).
Drawing parallels between Vijayadashami and the founding of the RSS a century ago, Modi remarked that its inception represented the resurgence of a timeless tradition of opposing injustice. He emphasized that, despite facing bans, conspiracies, and various challenges, the RSS has consistently upheld democratic values and its vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat.” The Prime Minister asserted that the Sangh and its affiliated organizations have always united towards the singular objective of nation-building. He also mentioned that RSS swayamsevaks upheld their trust in constitutional institutions, even in challenging times like the Emergency, and played significant roles in the movements of Goa, Hyderabad, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.