RSS Shakha Is A Land Of Inspiration Where Journey Begins From ‘I’ To ‘We’: PM Modi At Sangh's Centenary Celebrations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (1 October) lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as an organisation focused on character development and nation building, inspiring volunteers to move from “I” to “We,” NDTV reported

Speaking at the RSS centenary event at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi, he said, "The field of a Sangh Shakha is a land of inspiration, where the journey of a volunteer begins from I to We.The Shakhas of the Sangh are the sacred altars of character-building".

Modi highlighted the widespread impact of the RSS, noting, “The way human communities live on the banks of a river, just like that, many lives have flourished with the stream of Sangh. Sangh has touched on every aspect of this country.”

He also underscored the unity of the organisation, saying, “The RSS has many sub-organisations, but all are united in one purpose -- 'Rashtriya Pratham' (Nation First). No two sub-organisations contradict or conflict with each other.”

Stressing the organisation’s focus on individual and national development, he added, “To achieve this resolve, Sangh chose a journey of individual development to nation development. And to fulfil this, an organisation which operates regularly was needed. Hedgewar ji (Doctorji) knew that our nation would only become empowered when every Indian citizen developed a sense of responsibility towards the nation. That is why he always engaged in individuals' development.”

On the role of RSS shakhas in shaping character, Modi said, “Within these shakhas, an individual undergoes physical, mental and social growth. A strong sense of national service and courage steadily blossoms in the hearts of swayamsevaks... The great aim of nation development, a clear path of character development and a simple work like that of Shakha have become the foundation of Sangh.”

Paying tribute to RSS founder K B Hedgewar, he recalled the organisation’s contributions to the freedom struggle: “During the freedom struggle, we see how revered Dr Hedgewar and many Sangh workers actively participated in the independence movement. Dr Hedgewar himself was imprisoned in Nagpur Jail. The Sangh continued to support numerous freedom fighters, standing shoulder to shoulder with them in their struggle.”

Modi also addressed past conspiracies against the RSS, stating, “It is not as if the Sangh has never faced attacks or conspiracies. Even after Independence, there were repeated attempts to crush the organisation and prevent it from entering the mainstream. Guruji was falsely implicated in a case and even imprisoned. However, when he was released, he spoke with remarkable composure, words that remain a powerful source of inspiration in history”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also unveiled a special Rs 100 coin and a commemorative postal stamp during the centenary celebrations.

He highlighted that the coin depicts Bharat Mata seated on a lion in the “varad mudra,” with swayamsevaks paying homage—marking the first such depiction in independent India.

The postal stamp features RSS swayamsevaks participating in the 1963 Republic Day Parade, symbolising the organisation’s longstanding contribution to national service.

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