Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on October 10, 2025, the release of special commemorative ₹100 coins and postage stamps by the Government of India to mark the 100th anniversary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The initiative coincides with the organisation’s centenary celebrations and was first unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 1. The ₹100 coin is notable for featuring the image of Bharat Mata-marking the first time this image has appeared on Indian currency-alongside the RSS’s motto meaning “Everything is dedicated to the nation.” The commemorative stamp depicts RSS volunteers engaged in social service and participating in historical parades.
The coins are available for ordering online through the Kolkata Mint, and stamps are obtainable at Philately Bureaus nationwide. Finance Minister Sitharaman stated the commemoratives “honour a century of service, unity and dedication,” reflecting the government’s recognition of RSS’s role in India’s socio-cultural fabric.
Government and RSS Leaders Praise Legacy of Service
During the centenary celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the RSS for its sustained contributions to nation-building, describing it as the “incarnation of eternal national consciousness” born on Vijayadashami, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Modi emphasised the organisation’s foundational goals of fostering social responsibility, discipline, and cultural awareness among citizens.
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat echoed these sentiments, highlighting the dedication of volunteers and the organisation’s role in nurturing patriotic values and community service across India’s diverse society. Officials underscored that the release of these commemorative items aims to preserve historical memory and promote awareness of RSS’s evolution.
The move is seen by supporters as a fitting tribute to a voluntary organisation that has significantly influenced India’s social and cultural landscape over the last century.
Opposition Voices Strong Criticism
The government’s decision has met with strong opposition from various political leaders and parties. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the release on social media, calling it “a grave insult to our Constitution” and criticised the government for “legitimising an organisation that abstained from the freedom struggle and promotes a divisive ideology aligned with colonial strategies.”
Vijayan highlighted that honouring RSS with such official state recognition undermines the legacy of true freedom fighters and the vision of a secular, united India.
Opposition parties, including Congress and the Left (CPI(M)), echoed this stance, accusing the RSS of spreading a communal agenda that threatens India’s secular ethos. Congress leaders labelled the issuance of the coin and stamp as a state endorsement that elevates an organisation accused of ideological polarisation.
The CPI(M) specifically objected to the depiction of Bharat Mata on currency and the glorification of RSS, which they view as a partisan political move threatening India’s pluralistic fabric. The Kerala government positioned its criticism beyond political rivalry to frame the decision as a symbolic assault on constitutional values and collective freedom struggle narratives.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian believes in affirming respect for all citizens’ identities and ideologies should be paramount to avoid deepening societal divides. Symbolic gestures by the government, especially those involving state symbols like coins and stamps, hold profound representational weight and should inspire dialogue centred on coexistence rather than division. They present a vital opportunity to encourage mutual empathy, inclusivity, and national harmony transcending partisan perspectives.
