Bhubaneswar: A grand Shatabdi Varsh Swagat Sanchalan (Centenary Year Welcome March) was organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Bhubaneswar mahanagar to mark the beginning of its centenary celebrations. More than Three thousand RSS swayamsevaks, dressed in full uniform, participated in the disciplined and vibrant procession, showcasing unity, enthusiasm, and devotion towards the organization’s ideals.
The procession commenced simultaneously from four major points in the city — Shaheed Nagar Durga Mandap, Kharavela Nagar, Unit-3 New Saraswati Shishu Mandir, and Unit-3 Old Saraswati Shishu Mandir. Swayamsevaks marching from each route converged at the Ram Mandir Square, creating a spectacular sight of synchronized movement and collective spirit.
As the sound of ghosh vadyas (traditional musical instruments) filled the air, the volunteers marched in perfect rhythm, symbolising courage, discipline, and steadfastness.
The first route started from Shaheed Nagar Durga Mandap and passed through Saty Nagar Square before reaching Ram Mandir Square. The second procession began in front of the Khadi Board and moved through Shreya Talkies Square, Press Colony School, and the Office for the Visually Impaired before joining at Saty Nagar Square. The third march originated near the New Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Unit-3 and proceeded via Keshari Talkies Road and Exhibition Ground Road to Ram Mandir Square. The fourth route began near the Old Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Unit-3 and reached Ram Mandir Square through Shreya Talkies Square.
All four contingents later merged at Ram Mandir Square and continued their joint march up to Master Canteen and Lawyer PMG Square, where the procession concluded peacefully.
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The ghosh vadya tradition, a distinctive feature of RSS path sanchalans, added grandeur to the event. When the first RSS route march was organized in December 1926, only two instruments a shankh (conch) and an anak (a traditional signal drum) were used. Over the past 100 years, as the organisation evolved, so did its musical tradition. In RSS, ghosh is not merely a form of music or entertainment; it is a spiritual discipline that nurtures harmony, focus, and a sense of national duty. When swayamsevaks march together to its rhythm, their steps and their minds move in unison, reflecting the deeper purpose of collective progress and unity.
Speaking on the occasion, Asit Kumar Sahu, Sah-Prant Pracharak of RSS Odisha (Purva), said that the organisation has been continuously working for the past hundred years to unite the Hindu society. “Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of RSS, developed a unique shakha system to strengthen the moral and cultural foundation of society. Through this system, swayamsevaks cultivate patriotism, discipline, and character,” he said.
Sahu added that during the centenary year, the RSS will organize numerous programs across the country to celebrate its growth and contributions to the nation.
The event was graced by Odisha (Purva) Prant Sanghchalak Sameer Mahanti, Bhubaneswar Mahanagar Sanghchalak Srinivas Manasinha, and several other dignitaries. The entire program was well-coordinated by Mahanagar Karyavah Kshirod Bihari.
The grand procession reflected the century-long journey of the RSS from a small initiative in 1925 to a nationwide organisation devoted to discipline, service, and the idea of national unity.
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