NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 1, 2025, launched a special commemorative postal stamp and coin to officially kick off the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The event, held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi, marked 100 years of the organisation’s “glorious journey,” with the Prime Minister paying a rich tribute to the RSS’s profound contribution to nation-building, discipline, and selfless service. Present on the occasion were RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale along with Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Delhi CM Rekha Gupta.
Addressing the gathering, which commenced at 10:30 AM, Prime Minister Modi expressed his immense pride in being a part of the RSS’s centennial milestone. He began his address by offering his condolences to a senior Swayamsevak and first BJP chief of Delhi Vijay Kumar Malhotra, acknowledging his significant contributions at every stage of the Sangh’s history.
The special coin, unveiled by the Prime Minister, holds unique significance. Modi elaborated that one side of the coin features the national emblem, while the reverse side depicts an image of Bharat Mata seated on a lion, alongside a representation of RSS workers.
#RSS100Years | “This Rs 100 coin has the National Emblem on one side, and on the other side, there is a photo of Bharat Mata, seated on a lion in ‘varad mudra’, and swayamsevaks bowing down before her with dedication.
This is the first time in the history of independent Bharat… pic.twitter.com/AG3qna2Csw
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) October 1, 2025
“This coin is historic because the image of Bharat Mata is being displayed on Indian currency for the first time,” the Prime Minister stated. He added that the core motto of the RSS is also inscribed on the commemorative coin. The special postal stamp was also issued alongside the coin, dedicating the two collector’s items to the RSS’s century-long work.
During his speech, PM Modi praised the organisation, calling the RSS’s first century an “extraordinary example of sacrifice, selfless service, nation-building, and discipline.” He reflected on the timing of the founding of the Sangh, which historically took place on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami.
The Prime Minister underscored the timeless relevance of Vijaya Dashami, describing the festival as a symbol of the victory of truth, justice, and light over injustice, falsehood, and darkness. He asserted that the establishment of the RSS 100 years ago, coinciding with Vijaya Dashami, was not a mere coincidence.
Instead, PM Modi characterised the Sangh’s inception as the “resurgence of a thousand-year-old tradition,” in which national consciousness repeatedly manifests in new forms to face contemporary challenges. He hailed the RSS as a “sacred incarnation of this eternal national consciousness.”
The Prime Minister extended his best wishes and felicitations to all Swayamsevaks of the RSS, urging them to continue with their unwavering commitment to the nation-building pledge and service to the country as the organisation embarks on its second century.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarkaryavah, Dattatreya Hosabale, at the release of a specially designed commemorative postage stamp and coin highlighting the RSS’ contributions to the nation, at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, on October 1, 2025, said, Tomorrow’s Vijayadashami is a very special one in the journey of the Sangh. On this Vijayadashami, the RSS will complete 100 years of its national mission and will enter 101st year. The Sangh has witnessed 100 Vijayadashamis. On this historic occasion, the Government led by Narendra Modi decided to release a postage stamp and a coin to commemorate 100 years of the RSS. This is a matter of immense joy not only for Swayamsevaks but also for the entire nation. For this, I express gratitude to the Government of India.
He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for inviting Sangh representatives and organising the commemorative event. “Wherever one goes across the country, one will find the work of the Sangh. Swayamsevaks are present everywhere, even in a train, you may come across 2-4 Swayamsevaks together.
By observing the work and conduct of the Sangh’s Swayamsevaks, society now understands the Sangh. The work of the Sangh is always carried out while being rooted in society, and society itself recognises it. On this centenary occasion, when I reflect on who should be remembered and honoured, I recall how 100 years ago, in Nagpur, Dr K B Hedgewar founded the Sangh with the vision of uniting society for the upliftment of the nation. He had said that, the Sangh work is not new but the age-old thought of Bharat in new form work that many had done before. With that vision, we continue this mission”, said.
In the course of its journey, the Sangh has faced hardships and opposition, yet while walking firmly on the path of nation-building, it has now reached the stage of acceptance. The ideas of the Sangh are deeply rooted in the soil and culture of Bharat. In the 100 years of this journey, countless Swayamsevaks have dedicated their lives to this cause. I also remember with gratitude the sacrifices of those who gave their lives and contributed to this national mission. Many people from society too have supported us and their contribution also must be acknowledged.
