RSS celebrates 100 years, Modi commemorates with stamp

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release a commemorative postage stamp and coin on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, to mark the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Founded on Vijayadashami in 1925, the RSS completes 100 years this Thursday.

In his recent ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, Modi praised the RSS for its discipline and selfless service, emphasizing that “nation first” remains the guiding principle of its volunteers. He highlighted the vision of RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, who established the organisation to free India from intellectual slavery, and lauded M. S. Golwalkar’s leadership. Modi quoted Golwalkar’s famous words: “This is not mine, this belongs to the nation,” noting that they continue to inspire millions to prioritize dedication to the country over self-interest.

Preparations for the centenary celebrations are already underway, with over one lakh ‘Hindu sammelans’ planned nationwide. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat recently launched a collection of 25 RSS songs, titled ‘Sangh Geet,’ sung by Shankar Mahadevan, ten of which were performed live at an event in Nagpur attended by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Bhagwat described the songs as a product of devotion to the motherland and the austere life of Swayamsevaks. The RSS reportedly has a repertoire of 25,000–30,000 songs in various Indian languages.

The centenary celebrations will officially begin with Bhagwat’s annual Vijayadashami address at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur on Thursday. This will kick off nationwide events, including door-to-door public outreach campaigns and thousands of symposiums focusing on social harmony across India, continuing until the next Vijayadashami.