Raman Suri
ramansuribjp@gmail.com
When Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a Nagpur-based physician, founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1925, he envisioned an organization that would strengthen the moral, cultural, and physical fibre of Indian society. At a time when India was struggling for freedom, Hedgewar felt the nation needed not just political independence but also character-driven citizens bound by discipline, unity, and a sense of nationalism.
From its modest beginnings with a handful of Swayamsevaks, the RSS today has grown into one of the largest voluntary organizations in the world. It runs more than 65,000 daily Shakhas (local units of physical and ideological training) across India and abroad. Each Shakha begins with prayer, physical drills, yoga, and discussions on national, social, and cultural issues. Through this structure, Swayamsevaks are taught discipline, service, and selflessness.
After the demise of Dr. Hedgewar in 1940, M S Golwalkar popularly known as Guru Ji took over the reins of RSS as Sarsanghchalak and continued the flame of patriotism and service to the nation burning amongst the Swayamsevaks. After his passing away on 5th June 1973, Madhukar Dattatraya Deoras became the third Sarsanghchalak and guided the organization through challenging times, including the Emergency. In 1994, Prof. Rajendra Singh, popularly known as Rajju Bhaiya, took over as the fourth Sarsanghchalak and laid special emphasis on intellectual outreach, expanding the ideological discourse of the Sangh.
The year 2000 marked the beginning of the tenure of K. S. Sudarshan as the fifth Sarsanghchalak, who strongly advocated the principles of swadeshi, self-reliance and technological advancement. In 2009, Shri Mohan Bhagwat assumed the responsibility as the sixth Sarsanghchalak, and under his leadership, the Gau Gram Yatra for cow protection mobilized millions across the nation, further strengthening the Sangh’s social connect who is guiding the Swayamsevaks with his vast experience and commitment to the organisation which is known for its patriotism and service to the nation.
The Sangh has evolved in its outlook while staying rooted in its principles under the able guidance of its Sarsanghchalaks. Its early emphasis on physical training and character-building has expanded into social service, education, relief work, and nation-building activities. Over the years, it has inspired the creation of several affiliates collectively known as the Sangh Parivar, active in politics, trade unions, farmers’ movements, education, women’s empowerment, and more.
As it celebrates its centenary (Shatabdi Varsh) in 2025, the RSS continues to evolve, adapting to modern times while staying true to its roots of fostering a strong, united Bharat. With nation-building and patriotism at its core, the Sangh is dedicated to the holistic development of India through the lens of Hindu cultural values, which it promotes as inclusive and unifying.
Through daily Shakhas, young participants engage in physical exercises, intellectual discussions, and cultural activities that build character and foster a love for the nation. These initiatives help inculcate discipline, teamwork, and ethical values among youngsters, preparing them to contribute to India’s progress. For instance, youth-oriented programs encourage active participation in social service, environmental conservation, and community development, turning ordinary young people into proactive nation-builders.
Shakhas are the foundational units of the RSS, serving as gathering points where members participate in drills, games, patriotic songs, and discussions on national issues. These one-hour sessions promote physical fitness, mental agility, and a sense of brotherhood, all underpinned by the motto of selfless service to the nation. Open to all, they foster inclusivity and community bonds.
The RSS believes in the idea of Hindutva as a cultural identity-a unifying spirit transcending caste, region, and language. For the Sangh, building a strong and self-reliant society is central to nation-building. Its stress on unity, patriotism, discipline, and cultural pride aims to instil a sense of duty towards the motherland. Its prayer itself reflects this patriotic zeal. The opening lines, “Namaste Sada VatsaleMatribhume, TvayaHindubhume Sukham Vardhitoham” (“Salutations to you, O ever-loving motherland; O land of the Hindus, in your lap I grew happily”), exemplify the deep emotional connect which the organization fosters with the country.
For decades, the RSS was synonymous with its khaki shorts, white shirt, and black cap. This attire symbolized discipline and simplicity. However, in 2016, the RSS replaced its trademark khaki shorts with full-length brown trousers, adapting to the sensibilities of a changing society while retaining its essence of uniformity and collective identity. The change reflected the Sangh’s willingness to evolve with time without compromising its core values.
Beyond ideology, the RSS has consistently demonstrated its relevance through relief and rescue operations and also suffered and sacrificed a lot. During natural calamities like Gujarat earthquake of 2001, the Kerala floods of 2018, the COVID-19 pandemic or floods of Jammu and Kashmir in 2025, the RSS volunteers were among the first responders, engaged in distributing food, providing shelter, medical assistance, and rebuilding efforts. Their reach extended even to remote areas where government aid often struggled to arrive.
In the aftermath of independence, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) quickly rose to the occasion by setting up nearly 3,000 relief camps in 1947 to support lakhs of refugees fleeing East and West Pakistan. This spirit of service soon found a political expression when Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee formed the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1952. A decade later, during the 1962 India-China war, Swayamsevaks volunteered in large numbers, assisting both the government and the Army.
The darkest period came in 1975 when the Emergency was imposed, leading to thousands of Swayamsevaks being jailed. Yet the Sangh turned resistance into resilience, playing a key role in the eventual rise of the Janata Party. By 1980, with the split of the Janata Party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was born, carrying forward the ideological momentum. In 1984, at the height of the Sikh riots, Swayamsevaksof RSS once again displayed courage by sheltering Sikh families, saving lives, distributing relief, and even participating in the Golden Temple Karseva.
The years that followed continued to test the Sangh’s spirit but also highlighted its unshakable resolve. In 1989, terrorists targeted an RSS Shakha in Punjab, killing 18 Swayamsevaks, yet the Sangh stood firm. The Ayodhya movement of 1992 brought Karsevaks to the forefront, with 6 December marking a turning point in India’s cultural discourse. Despite restrictions imposed thereafter, the organization emerged stronger. In 2004, when a devastating tsunami struck India’s coasts, Swayamsevaks were among the first to provide relief, a tradition repeated during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic when food, rations, articles of necessity and masks were delivered to millions.
The consecration of Shri Ram’s idol in the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in 2024 fulfilled a century-long aspiration, becoming a cultural milestone for the nation. Today, as the RSS celebrates its centenary year in 2025 (Shatabdi Varsha) its nationwide campaigns on social harmony, environment, self-reliance, and family values symbolize not just a hundred years of service, but a vision of nation-building for centuries to come.
While not a military outfit, the RSS has historically emphasized India’s defence preparedness. Many Swayamsevaks have joined the armed forces, while others organize programmes to honour soldiers and support their families. The spirit of defending the nation’s bordersphysically, culturally, and ideologicallyruns deep in the organization’s ethos. Nearly a century since its establishment, the RSS remains a unique force in Indian society seen by supporters as the backbone of cultural nationalism and by critics as a subject of debate for its political influence.
As India celebrates the centenary of the RSS in 2025, the organization continues to draw attention for its scale, influence, and evolving role in society. Hedgewar’s idea was simple yet far-reaching: to build individuals of character, discipline, and patriotism who could contribute to a stronger nation.From its humble beginnings in Nagpur to its present stature, the RSS has grown into a unique socio-cultural force. Supporters see it as a pillar of national strength, while critics question its political influence.
As it completes a hundred years, the RSS faces the dual challenge of preserving its traditional ideals while engaging with a rapidly changing India. Its journey remains a compelling story of how a voluntary organization has sought to blend service, discipline, and patriotism into a framework for nation-building. The centenary year is being marked with nationwide and global events.
The celebrations focus on outreach, ideological reflection, and reinforcing the organization’s mission of cultural unity and national identity. The RSS aims to expand its Shakhas to over 100,000, reaching every administrative block in India. This includes a focus on Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, with door-to-door campaigns to promote nationalist ideals and counter misinformation. Between 1,500-1,600 Hindu Sammelans (conferences) will be held across rural mandals and urban bastis, emphasizing social harmony, family values, environmental awareness, self-identity, and civic duties (Panch Parivartan).
An international campaign will also be launched to counter misconceptions about its ideology, involving seminars, lectures, and publications in multiple languages including French, German, and Arabic. Events are planned in 18 world capitals with participation from RSS supporters abroad. The Sangh aims at promoting unity across communities, castes, and religions. Other key areas include advocating for water conservation, reduced plastic use, and tree planting-encouraging value-based living and active societal participation, with “belongingness” as its core philosophy.
The RSS Shatabdi Varsh from Vijayadashami 2025 to Vijayadashami 2026, marking 100 years since its founding will have year-long events. To mark the beginning, Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat performed the traditional Shastra Puja at Nagpuron October 2, 2025 where former President Ram Nath Kovind graced the occasion as the chief guest. Earlier, the flagship centenary event was held in Delhi from August 26-28, 2025, featuring lectures, dialogues, and discussions with eminent personalities from diverse fields.
The program calendar for the year includes massive outreach campaigns and local initiatives across the country. A three-week door-to-door contact campaign titled “Har Gaon, Har Basti-Ghar-Ghar” will run from November 2025 to January 2026, where Swayamsevaks will distribute literature and hold small events. Hindu Sammelans at the mandal level will focus on unity and national development, while Samajik Sadbhav Baithaks (social harmony meetings) will be organized in towns to promote coexistence and cultural preservation. Special initiatives will also target youth between 18 and 28 years, encouraging them to engage with cultural roots and community service.
Throughout the centenary year, the Sangh will drive its five-point program, Panch Parivartan, focusing on social harmony, family values, environmental awareness, self-reliance and civic responsibility. Together, these events and campaigns will make the centenary year a blend of reflection, outreach, and vision for the nation’s future.
The RSS views the centenary not as a mere celebration but as an opportunity for introspection and rededication to its mission of national reconstruction. It plans to engage diverse societal sections, including youth, women, and minority communities, through training camps, intellectual meetings, and social service initiatives via affiliates like Sewa Bharti and Shiksha Bharti.
In the words of Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS’s mission is fostering “belongingness,” stating, “The one who understands this belongingness is truly human.” Similarly, Dattatreya Hosabale, RSS Sarkaryavah, has emphasized India’s cultural wisdom as a solution to global challenges, aiming to present a model of a “harmonious and organized Bharat.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi too has acknowledged the role of RSS in nation-building during his Independence Day speech 2025.
The need of the hour is that more and more youth, irrespective of caste, creed, region, or religion, join the RSS as Swayamsevaks-not just to be part of a larger volunteer group but also to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. By shaping youth, aiding in crises, and promoting patriotism, the RSS continues to inspire a brighter future for Bharat.
Meanwhile, to commemorate the Sangh’s glorious 100-year journey, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently released a special postage stamp and commemorative coin. These commemoratives are a message to the world that India remembers, honours, and celebrates institutions dedicated to nation-building with selflessness and discipline.
The ?100 coin features the national emblem on one side and a majestic image of Bharat Mata in Varad Mudra with a lion, being saluted by Swayamsevaks, on the other. This is possibly the first time ever in history of independent India that Bharat Mata’s image has appeared on Indian currency. The coin also bears the Sangh’s guiding motto: “Rashtraya Swaha, IdamRashtraya, Idam Na Mama” which stands as a timeless tribute to the spirit of service, sacrifice, and civilizational pride.
Similarly, the postage stamp, with its depiction of the Sangh’s cultural journey, will remain a lasting reminder of the organisation’s contribution to unity, discipline, and seva over a hundred years. The release of these symbols by the Prime Minister not only immortalises the centenary of the RSS but also inspires future generations to place the nation above the self. This gesture is more than a philatelic or numismatic milestone; it is a proud salute to Bharat’s cultural ethos, a reaffirmation of the RSS’s century-long service, and a clarion call for every citizen to uphold the timeless principle of “Nation First.”
(The writer is Joint Treasurer, BJP Jammu Kashmir)
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