Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday cautioned that while infiltration and external threats have historically challenged India’s unity, today’s greater concern lies in demographic changes that could undermine social equality.

Speaking at the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Modi emphasised that “unity in diversity” is the soul of India, but warned that divisions fuelled by caste, language, regionalism, and extremist ideologies could weaken the nation if left unaddressed.

“Social equality means establishing social justice by giving priority to the deprived and promoting national unity. Today, crises are emerging that directly attack our unity, culture, and security. Extremist thinking, regionalism, disputes over caste, language, and divisions instigated by external forces – all these countless challenges lie before us,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of demographic vigilance, the Prime Minister stated that social equality now faces more pressing challenges from internal population shifts than from infiltration or external threats. He linked this issue directly to internal security and future national peace, citing it as the reason for announcing the Demographic Mission from the Red Fort.

Modi also addressed economic vulnerabilities, noting, “Economic dependence on other countries is a conspiracy to break our unity. There's a conspiracy to change our demographics.” He expressed satisfaction with the government’s swift actions to tackle these emerging challenges.

In a symbolic gesture honoring the RSS, PM Modi released a commemorative Rs 100 coin and postal stamp. The coin features the National Emblem on one side and, for the first time in independent India, an image of Bharat Mata seated on a lion with swayamsevaks bowing before her on the other. The stamp depicts RSS swayamsevaks participating in the 1963 Republic Day Parade, highlighting the organisation’s historical contributions to the nation.