By Prof. Dinesh Chandra Rai
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is commemorating its 100th anniversary, a moment to reflect on a century of profound impact. What began as a small gathering in Nagpur on September 27, 1925, under the leadership of Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, has grown into what is widely regarded as the world’s largest voluntary organization. At the heart of the RSS lies a powerful and elegant philosophy: Vyakti Nirman Se Rashtra Nirman—”building the nation by building the character of its people.” This guiding principle has fueled a hundred-year commitment to cultural awareness, personal development, and selfless service, creating a massive network of individuals dedicated to societal improvement. The centenary is more than just a historical milestone; it’s a moment to honor the deep influence this movement has had on India’s national fabric.
This isn’t just a historical milestone; it’s a profound moment for India. The government’s decision to issue a special postage stamp and a commemorative ₹100 coin to honor the centenary is a significant sign of national recognition. The coin’s design, which features Bharat Mata (Mother India) being saluted by swayamsevaks, is particularly symbolic. This marks the first time Bharat Mata has appeared on Indian currency, a powerful statement that weaves the organization’s foundational identity into the national narrative.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s acknowledgment of the RSS’s journey as a “golden chapter” in modern Indian history further emphasizes its national importance. He has praised the organization for its tireless efforts to unify the country, transcending divisions of caste and creed. The Prime Minister has highlighted the remarkable coherence across the Sangh Parivar—the family of organizations under the RSS umbrella—which, despite their diverse functions, all operate with a single core principle: ‘Nation First’. This unity in diversity is a testament to the organization’s enduring societal impact.
A Society’s Backbone in Times of Crisis
The RSS’s role as an indispensable backbone during national crises is well-established. Its tradition of disciplined service (Seva) has been on display for decades. Whether it was the coordinated relief work after the 1956 Anjar earthquake, providing support to the armed forces during the 1962 conflict, or assisting millions of refugees in 1971, the organization has consistently stepped up.
This was never more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the banner of Rashtriya Seva Bharati, over half a million volunteers served in nearly 93,000 locations nationwide. The scale of their humanitarian aid was immense. Volunteers distributed 45 million food packets and provided supplies to more than 7 million families. They also provided crucial assistance to marginalized groups, including migrant workers and nomadic people. The swift and systematic establishment of isolation centers and medical support validated the RSS’s ability to act as a highly dependable parallel structure, providing essential services when official systems were stretched to their limits.
Beyond visible crisis management, the Sangh Parivar’s continuous, quiet efforts in less-publicized areas form a vital engine for national cohesion. For instance, the Deendayal Research Institute, founded by Nanaji Deshmukh, focuses on sustainable rural development, self-employment, and organic farming. This work is a practical manifestation of the philosophy of Antyodaya, which means serving the last person in line.
Shaping the Future of Education
As a part of the academic community, I’ve seen firsthand how the RSS’s long-held beliefs have influenced national policy. The organization’s conviction that instruction should be delivered in the mother tongue found a voice in the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP), which now mandates instruction in the home language up to at least Class 5, and preferably Class 8. This is a praiseworthy move toward linguistic democratization of knowledge, which has been a core tenet of the Sangh’s educational philosophy for decades.
The organization focuses on shaping the individual first, believing that a society of disciplined and selfless people will automatically build a strong and unified nation. The provided article highlights several ways this philosophy is put into practice, although it doesn’t offer a specific list of methods. The key is the emphasis on selfless service (Seva) and discipline. By participating in the RSS’s structured activities, members are conditioned to prioritize the collective good over personal gain.
The first century of the RSS has established a durable model of Vyakti Nirman, creating a vast pool of human capital dedicated to selfless service. This model has proven its ability to catalyze a national renaissance. As we stand at the threshold of the next century, the legacy of service built by this organization should not just be a model to admire, but a universal societal commitment. The vision of a truly developed India (Vikshit Bharat) requires a renewed covenant from every citizen. This centenary is a moment for all of us to make a solemn pledge: to consistently prioritize the national interest (Rashtra Pratham) over narrow individual gains and partisan benefits. It is only by mirroring the spirit of Vyakti Nirman—through collective, selfless contribution to nation-building—that Bharat will fully realize its potential on the global stage.
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