Bhubaneswar: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been tirelessly working for the past century with the vision of transforming Bharat into a prosperous and self-reliant nation. Despite facing numerous challenges, criticisms, and even bans at various times, the organization has remained unwavering in its mission to achieve param baibhavshali Bharat. This was stated by senior RSS pracharak and kshetriya sampark Pramukh, Bidyut Mukherjee, while addressing a seminar titled “Hundred Years of the Sangh” held at a hotel conference hall in Cuttack.
Mukherjee emphasized that Bharat’s family system is unique in the world and that preserving it is a collective responsibility of society. He expressed concern over the erosion of family values in Western countries, noting that such decay has led to various social distortions. In contrast, Bharat continues to uphold its rich family traditions and values, which serve as its greatest strength. He urged the audience to take proactive steps to protect and strengthen this system, calling it vital for maintaining the nation’s moral and cultural fabric.
The seminar’s chief guest, Sameer Kumar Mahanty, the Prant Sanghchalak of RSS Odisha (East), highlighted that the Sangh’s objective extends beyond mere organizational expansion; it seeks to restore Bharat to its ancient glory as a “Vishwaguru” (world teacher). He recalled that RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar believed that Bharat’s true renaissance could only be achieved through the unity and awakening of Hindu society.
Mahanty further elaborated that through its daily shakhas, the RSS instills in its swayamsevaks a spirit of service, discipline, and dedication toward society, the nation, and the motherland. He added that the growing influence of these swayamsevaks can now be observed across multiple sectors of national life.
Speaking about the upcoming centenary year of RSS in 2025, Mahanty said that a nationwide campaign will be launched to encourage more citizens to contribute to social transformation in five key areas—Samajik Samarasata, Paryavaran Sanrakshan evam Sanvardhan, Kutumb Prabodhan, Swa-Aadharit Jeevan Shaili, and Nagrik Kartavyabodh. These “panch parivartan,” he explained, will serve as the guiding themes of the centenary celebrations, aiming to inspire a deeper sense of unity, responsibility, and self-confidence among citizens.
The seminar was jointly presided over by Dr Anang Mohan Dwibedi, former president of the Rotary Club of Cuttack Millennium, and Ashok Bihari Mahapatra, former District Governor of Rotary District 3262. The session was moderated by Advocate Sarbeswar Behera, while Dr. Narayan Mahanty delivered the welcome address.
Several distinguished personalities, including former Rotary District Governors Debasish Mishra and Shantanu Kumar Pani, along with many Rotarians and intellectuals, attended the event. The program concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Kishore Kumar Mahanty, the Sanghchalak of the RSS Cuttack Division.
Speakers unanimously appreciated the RSS’s century-long contribution to nation-building, describing it as a movement rooted in discipline, service, and cultural pride. They expressed confidence that the Sangh’s ideals and actions would continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Bharat into a self-reliant, strong, and prosperous nation in the years to come.
