New Delhi: On the historic occasion of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a heartfelt message, extending his greetings to millions of swayamsevaks across the country. Calling the RSS the “sacred embodiment of eternal national consciousness,” PM Modi reflected on the organisation’s century-long journey of nation-building and social service.
Founded on Vijayadashami in 1925, the RSS has been described by the Prime Minister as a movement that represents “the age-old tradition of national awakening that re-emerges to meet the challenges of every era.” Expressing his admiration for the founder, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, PM Modi called him “a guiding inspiration for all.”
Highlighting the role of the daily shakhas, PM Modi said they serve as “the sacrificial altar of character-building,” shaping lakhs of swayamsevaks who have contributed to India across various fields. “The Sangh chose the path of building strong individuals as the foundation for building a strong nation,” he added. He emphasised that shakhas teach the transition from ‘I’ to ‘we’, instilling discipline, unity, and a spirit of service.
The Prime Minister credited the RSS for promoting self-awareness, social harmony, and respect for tribal traditions, even in remote regions. He recalled the efforts of successive RSS leaders like Guruji Golwalkar, Balasaheb Deoras, Rajju Bhaiya, and KS Sudarshan, who actively fought against untouchability and social discrimination. He also lauded the vision of current chief Mohan Bhagwat, highlighting the principle of “one well, one temple, and one crematorium” to foster social cohesion.
Addressing contemporary challenges, PM Modi pointed to the RSS’s “five transformations” as guiding principles for swayamsevaks: self-awareness, social harmony, family awakening, civic sense, and environmental protection. He explained that self-awareness helps free minds from the legacy of slavery and instils pride in India’s heritage, while social harmony focuses on uplifting the deprived and ensuring justice. Family awakening strengthens cultural values and bonds, civic sense cultivates duty-conscious citizens, and environmental protection safeguards the future for coming generations.
Concluding his message, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the RSS, “having begun its journey towards the next century with these resolutions,” will continue to energise and inspire the nation as India moves toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
