Kashmir, October 1, 2025In a momentous ceremony that blended national pride with historical reverence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today unveiled a commemorative ₹100 coin and a special postage stamp to mark the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (#RSS). The event, held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in the heart of the national capital, drew dignitaries, swayamsevaks, and well-wishers from across the country, underscoring the enduring legacy of the organization founded in 1925. What made the occasion truly historic was the first-ever depiction of #BharatMata on #Indian #currency—a symbolic gesture that PM Modi described as a “proud tribute to the motherland and the selfless service of generations of volunteers.”The #PM’s address, delivered amid resounding applause and the disciplined rows of RSS volunteers in their signature khaki uniforms, painted a vivid picture of India’s journey from colonial subjugation to self-assured sovereignty. “A hundred years ago, when the #RSS was founded, our nation was shackled by centuries of slavery. This long bondage had scarred our self-respect and confidence.
The world’s oldest civilization was grappling with an identity crisis, and our people were ensnared by an inferiority complex,” Modi reflected, his voice resonating through the venue. He credited the #RSS with igniting a flame of cultural awakening and national service that has illuminated India’s path ever since.The centerpiece of the event was the release of the ₹100 coin, minted under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India. On one side, it bears the majestic Lion Capital of Ashoka, the #NationalEmblem symbolizing the country’s ancient wisdom and authority. Flipping it over reveals an artistic rendition of #BharatMata—India’s anthropomorphic embodiment of the nation—seated gracefully on a roaring lion, her right hand extended in the ‘varad mudra’ (boon-granting pose), signifying benevolence and protection. At her feet, a group of swayamsevaks is depicted bowing in profound devotion, their postures a testament to the organization’s ethos of selfless dedication.
This imagery, crafted by renowned artists from the Indian Security Press in Nashik, marks a groundbreaking milestone: the inaugural appearance of #BharatMata on any form of #Indian #currency since independence in 1947. “This is the first time in the history of independent India that an image of #BharatMata has been etched onto our #currency,” the #PM declared, holding up the gleaming coin for the audience to see. “It is a moment of immense pride, a visual homage to the eternal spirit of our motherland and the unwavering commitment of #RSS volunteers who have served her with every fiber of their being.” The coin, produced in limited edition for collectors and circulation, is made of a nickel-brass alloy, weighing 8 grams with a diameter of 23 mm, ensuring it circulates seamlessly alongside standard denominations while preserving its commemorative value.Complementing the coin was the release of a postage stamp, issued by India Post in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture. The stamp captures a poignant slice of history: the participation of #RSS swayamsevaks in the 1963 Republic Day Parade. That year, for the first time post-independence, RSS volunteers marched down Rajpath (now Kartavya Path) in a display of disciplined unity, their saffron flags fluttering alongside those of other national contingents. The stamp’s design, rendered in vibrant colors against a backdrop of the India Gate, immortalizes this landmark event, with the inscription “RSS Centenary 1925-2025” arched above the tableau.
PM Modi elaborated, “This postal stamp preserves that historic moment when #RSS stepped into the national mainstream, defying attempts to marginalize it. It reminds us that unity in diversity is the soul of India—if this principle fractures, our nation weakens.”The centenary celebrations, organized by the RSS’s national headquarters in Nagpur but hosted in Delhi under the patronage of the central government, were a spectacle of tradition and modernity. The venue, adorned with marigold garlands, tricolor banners, and life-sized portraits of RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, echoed with the rhythmic beats of traditional dhol drums and the chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” Over 5,000 attendees, including swayamsevaks from all 36 states and union territories, filled the hall, many having traveled overnight to witness the milestone. Prominent figures such as Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and RSS Sarsanghchalak (chief) Dattatreya Hosabale shared the dais, their presence underscoring the organization’s cross-partisan appeal and its role in shaping India’s socio-cultural fabric. Dr. Hedgewar, a physician by profession and patriot by conviction, established the #RSS on Vijaya Dashami in 1925 amid the fervor of the freedom struggle. His vision was simple yet profound: to build a cadre of disciplined individuals who would prioritize character-building, social service, and national integration over political expediency. “The #RSS was not born in the corridors of power but in the quiet resolve of a man who saw slavery’s toll on the Indian psyche,” PM Modi noted, paying floral tribute to Hedgewar’s portrait. Under successive Sarsanghchalaks like M.S. Golwalkar and current chief Mohan Bhagwat, the organization has grown into a global network with millions of members, shakhas (daily assemblies) in over 50,000 locations, and affiliates spanning education, healthcare, and disaster relief.Reflecting on the #RSS’s journey, the #PM highlighted its resilience against adversity.
“Post-independence, there were deliberate efforts to sideline the #RSS from the national mainstream, branding it as extraneous to the freedom narrative. Yet, it stood firm, embodying the mantra of ‘One India, Great India’—rooted in faith in democracy and unwavering in its service to the marginalized.” He cited instances like the RSS’s pivotal role in refugee rehabilitation during Partition, its grassroots mobilization during the 1975 Emergency, and its tireless efforts in recent calamities such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Manipur floods. “From stitching masks in shakhas to distributing meals in quarantine centers, #RSS volunteers have been the unsung sentinels of compassion,” Modi said, evoking nods of agreement from the audience.The unveiling ceremony itself was a masterclass in symbolism. As the #PM pressed a ceremonial button, a large screen projected high-resolution images of the coin and stamp, eliciting cheers from the crowd. The coin’s design, approved after consultations with numismatists and cultural experts, draws from ancient iconography: #BharatMata’s lion mount evokes Durga’s ferocity in safeguarding dharma, while the varad mudra echoes the benevolence of Lakshmi in Vedic lore. Artisans at the Srirampur Mint incorporated micro-textures for anti-counterfeiting, ensuring the coin’s integrity in an era of digital forgeries. The stamp, printed on gummed paper with holographic elements, will be available at post offices nationwide from tomorrow, with first-day covers already in high demand among philatelists. Beyond the artifacts, the event served as a platform for introspection on India’s evolving identity. PM Modi linked the #RSS centenary to broader national goals, invoking the spirit of Amrit Kaal—the 25-year lead-up to 2047, when India aims to become a developed nation. “The #RSS’s century of service aligns seamlessly with our vision of Viksit Bharat. Its emphasis on self-reliance, environmental stewardship, and women empowerment resonates with initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.” He praised the organization’s affiliate bodies, such as Vidya Bharati (running over 12,000 schools) and Seva Bharati (operating 20,000 service projects), for bridging urban-rural divides and fostering inclusive growth.Notably, the depiction of #BharatMata has sparked discussions on the feminization of national symbols. Historically, Bharat Mata emerged as a rallying icon during the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, immortalized in Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s “Vande Mataram” and Abanindranath Tagore’s iconic painting. Yet, her presence on #currency—a medium typically reserved for economic motifs like fauna, flora, or leaders—signals a shift toward cultural nationalism. Critics, including some opposition voices, have questioned the timing, viewing it as an overt alignment with Hindutva ideologies.
However, supporters argue it rectifies a historical omission, celebrating India’s maternal ethos in a post-colonial context. As the ceremony progressed, cultural performances added layers of emotional depth. A troupe from Kerala presented a Kathakali rendition of Hedgewar’s life, while Naga folk dancers from the Northeast symbolized the #RSS’s outreach to India’s peripheries. Swayamsevaks, young and old, shared testimonials: a 75-year-old veteran recounted marching in the 1963 parade, his eyes misty with nostalgia; a Gen-Z volunteer spoke of digital shakhas during lockdowns, adapting ancient drills to Zoom calls. These vignettes wove a tapestry of continuity, from Hedgewar’s Nagpur garage to today’s tech-savvy outreach.The #PM’s speech culminated in a clarion call for the future. “As we enter the second century of #RSS, let us rededicate ourselves to building a India that is antarrashtriya (internationally respected), atma-nirbhar (self-reliant), and samaveshi (inclusive). The swayamsevaks are not just volunteers; they are the sinews of this great republic.”
He invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s praise for the #RSS’s discipline, bridging ideological divides in a nod to syncretic nationalism.Post-event, the coin and stamp are set to become coveted collectibles. Numismatic experts predict the ₹100 piece could fetch premiums at auctions, akin to the 2014 Modi’s swearing-in commemorative. India Post plans a nationwide exhibition tour, starting from RSS headquarters in Nagpur on October 2—Vijaya Dashami, the day the centenary proper unfolds with Mohan Bhagwat’s address.In the annals of Indian history, today’s unveiling stands as a bridge between eras: honoring a century of quiet toil while etching #BharatMata’s grace onto the very tokens of our economy. As the sun set over Delhi’s skyline, the message was clear—the #RSS’s flame, kindled in 1925, burns brighter, illuminating paths yet untrodden.
