In a landmark moment that symbolises both cultural pride and national unity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled a commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Speaking at the centenary celebrations, the Prime Minister emphasised the organisation’s century-long contribution to nation-building, its resilience in the face of adversity, and its enduring commitment to the motto of “Nation First.” The highlight of the commemorative release was the image of Bharat Mata on the coin—etched for the very first time in India’s history—accompanied by the RSS motto, “Rashtray Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama”, meaning “Everything is dedicated to the nation, everything belongs to the nation, nothing is mine.”
Bharat Mata on a Coin: A Historic First
PM Modi underlined the significance of carving Bharat Mata’s image on an Indian coin, calling it a historic first. “This is the first time in the history of India that Bharat Mata’s image has been carved onto a coin,” he said. Alongside the image, the RSS motto engraved on the coin reflects the core philosophy of selfless service and dedication to the motherland.
The Prime Minister noted that the occasion of the release was deeply symbolic, coinciding with the eve of Vijayadashami, a festival marking the triumph of good over evil and truth over falsehood. He reminded the audience that the RSS itself was founded on Dussehra a century ago, a moment that was not a coincidence but a “resurrection of a tradition continuing for thousands of years.”
RSS: A Century of Nation-Building
PM Modi lauded the RSS for its consistent contribution to the nation since its inception in 1925. He noted that despite facing opposition, the organisation has worked tirelessly across all sections of society through its various affiliated wings. These include groups dedicated to education, social service, rural development, labour welfare, and national security.
“Different organisations affiliated to the RSS cater to the needs of various sections of society. Despite having different responsibilities, they have never clashed, because every part of the Sangh strives for one objective: ‘Nation First’,” PM Modi said.
He recalled that during the struggle against colonial rule, the Sangh was at the forefront in fighting British atrocities. Its enduring principle, the Prime Minister said, has always been unconditional love for the nation and service to society.
Facing False Allegations and Bans
PM Modi also addressed the challenges that the RSS has faced over its 100-year history, noting how false accusations and politically motivated bans were imposed on the organisation. He reminded the audience of the difficult days following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948, when the Congress government under Jawaharlal Nehru banned the RSS and jailed its leader, M. S. Golwalkar, despite no evidence linking the organisation to the crime.
According to historical accounts, Golwalkar—who succeeded RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar—was arrested in February 1948 and remained in jail for months before being released. Yet he was re-arrested later that year under political pressure. Nationwide satyagrahas by swayamsevaks followed, and it was only after public outcry that the ban was lifted unconditionally in July 1949. Later court cases against Golwalkar were also dismissed, clearing the organisation’s name.
“Guruji was jailed on false charges and even faced torture behind bars. Yet, when he walked free, he reminded everyone that just as one does not pull out their own teeth when they accidentally bite the tongue, one should not turn against one’s own society,” PM Modi said, recalling Golwalkar’s resilience and forgiveness.
Sangh’s Enduring Relevance in Modern India
The Prime Minister stressed that the RSS continues to play an important role in shaping India’s cultural and national identity. Its centenary, he said, is not just a celebration of its past but also an affirmation of its relevance in the present. Despite decades of opposition, bans, and attempts to malign its image, the organisation has expanded and now works across multiple fields, contributing to education, social harmony, and national integration.
Modi also pointed out that the Sangh has never responded to hostility with bitterness or revenge, embodying the true spirit of acceptance and resilience. “The RSS has never been bitter, despite attempts to make false cases against them, attempts to ban them, and other challenges, because we are part of society where we accept both the good and the bad,” he said.
Conclusion: A Century of Service, A Future of Strength
The release of the commemorative coin and stamp marks more than a centenary celebration; it symbolises the resilience, dedication, and service of the RSS over 100 years. By carving Bharat Mata’s image onto a coin for the first time, the government has given recognition to an organisation that has endured trials yet emerged stronger, embodying the values of service and nationalism. As the Prime Minister reminded the nation, the centenary of the RSS is not merely about its past, but about its ongoing role in uniting society, instilling patriotism, and building a stronger Bharat. The motto engraved on the coin reflects this eternal commitment: all is for the nation, and nothing is for oneself.
