Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant national milestone on October 1, 2025, by releasing a special postage stamp and a ₹100 commemorative coin celebrating the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This event took place at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, attended by RSS leaders, government officials, and cultural dignitaries.
The commemorative coin is notable for featuring an image of Bharat Mata in the Varad Mudra pose, symbolising blessings and protection, with swayamsevaks paying respect alongside the national emblem. The postage stamp honours the RSS volunteers’ proud participation in the 1963 Republic Day parade. The government and RSS representatives described these tributes as celebrations of a century of dedicated service, cultural revival, and national unity.
Celebrating a Century of National Service and Revival
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur with the objective of promoting cultural awareness, discipline, and social responsibility among Indian citizens. Prime Minister Modi, addressing the centenary event, highlighted that the RSS was born during a time when India was struggling with an identity crisis under colonial rule.
Modi praised the organisation’s lasting impact on fostering patriotism, national consciousness, and the development of a robust civic character rooted in Indian traditions and values. The RSS’s “Nation First” philosophy motivates countless swayamsevaks to engage in nation-building activities. The centenary not only marks RSS’s historical achievements but also acknowledges ongoing work in education, health, disaster relief, and community empowerment.
#RSS100Years | Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a commemorative postage stamp and coin to mark the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the RSS Centenary Celebrations, hosted by the Ministry of Culture at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/aNUrt2VjgO
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) October 1, 2025
Symbolic Significance of the Commemorative Items
The ₹100 coin unveiled by PM Modi features the Indian national emblem on one side, while the reverse side displays a majestic portrayal of Bharat Mata seated on a lion, with RSS volunteers saluting her. This is a landmark moment, as it is possibly the first time Bharat Mata’s image appears on Indian currency, accompanied by the RSS guiding motto: “Rashtraya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama” (This is for the nation, not for myself).
The commemorative postage stamp recalls the legacy of RSS’s participation in the 1963 Republic Day parade, symbolising their unwavering patriotism. These items are not simply collectibles but affirm the organisation’s continuing commitment to national service and cultural pride.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The centenary celebrations and the release of these commemorative items remind us that symbols carry deep significance in connecting citizens to their shared heritage. The Logical Indian recognises the value of such occasions in fostering a sense of national identity and pride.
Yet, it is equally important that these moments kindle empathy, unity, and inclusive dialogue across India’s plural society. While honouring history through symbolism, genuine progress requires addressing contemporary social challenges with kindness, cooperation, and respect for diversity.
राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ की 100 वर्षों की गौरवमयी यात्रा की स्मृति में आज जारी हुए विशेष डाक टिकट और भारत माता की तस्वीर वाले सिक्के समाज और देशसेवा में जुटे स्वयंसवकों की अथक और अनवरत यात्रा का प्रतीक हैं। pic.twitter.com/9pJP7N8rM4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2025
