Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday greeted Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteers on the organisation’s foundation day, marking 100 years since its establishment in 1925.
In a post on X, Modi described the RSS’s journey as a “remarkable century of service, nation-building and social harmony” and paid tribute to those who had nurtured the organisation over the years.
“Today, on the special occasion of RSS Sthapana Divas, my greetings to all Swayamsevaks. I also pay homage to all those greats who have nurtured the RSS over the years,” Modi wrote.
“The RSS has completed a remarkable century of service, nation-building and social harmony. Countless Swayamsevaks have worked for society with a deep sense of duty and a nation-first spirit. May this spirit keep strengthening national development in the times to come,” he added.
The Prime Minister also shared RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s address at the centenary-year Vijayadashami gathering in Nagpur, describing it as motivating. He highlighted Bhagwat’s remarks on national progress, social unity, self-reliance and the role of the RSS’s “Panch Parivartan” initiative in bringing about social change.
Amit Shah Praises RSS Volunteers
Amit Shah also extended greetings to RSS volunteers, praising their dedication to the country and their commitment to what he described as a “Nation First” spirit.
In a post in Hindi on X, Shah said the organisation was working to preserve Indian culture, promote patriotism and involve young people in nation-building.
He added that the RSS’s service initiatives across the country were strengthening efforts to build a strong, prosperous and self-reliant India.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also paid tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, describing the organisation’s journey as one focused on national resurgence, social unity and cultural awareness.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath greeted RSS volunteers, highlighting its emphasis on social service and the principle of “Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama”, meaning “This is for the nation, not for myself”.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also extended greetings on the organisation’s foundation day, describing its work as a journey of nation-building through individual development.
RSS Marks Centenary in Nagpur
The RSS is marking 100 years since its establishment in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar on Vijayadashami in 1925. The organisation traditionally holds its annual foundation day celebrations on the Hindu festival.
On Tuesday, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat performed the Shastra Puja ceremony and paid floral tributes to Hedgewar at Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur, Maharashtra, as part of the centenary celebrations.
The event was attended by former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and senior RSS functionaries. Sanjay Gupta, editor-in-chief of Dainik Jagran, attended as the chief guest. The Consul General of Israel in Mumbai was also present.
In his address, Bhagwat discussed social harmony, national development, drug abuse and the need to assess information shared on social media carefully.
He also called for a balanced approach to development in the Himalayan region, warning that development without adequate attention to ecological stability could have serious consequences for human life.
The RSS, founded in 1925, describes its objectives in terms of the all-round development of India. Over the decades, its volunteers and affiliated organisations have been involved in activities related to education, healthcare, social welfare and disaster relief.
