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COVER STORY OCTOBER 10, 2025 | The Indian Eye 5
collective experience,” he said. This, In addition to cultural and social
Bhagwat argued, is crucial for shap- guidance, the RSS has maintained an
ing a harmonious society guided by active role in advocating for nation-
ethical and moral principles. al security, development, and ethical
The centenary also featured the governance. Bhagwat praised the
release of a commemorative postage government’s and armed forces’ re-
stamp and Rs 100 coin, depicting sponse to the Pahalgam terror attack,
Bharat Mata in Varad Mudra, sa- asserting that unity and decisive ac-
luted by swayamsevaks—a symbolic tion provide an ideal atmosphere in
representation of the RSS’s inter- the country, while also highlighting
twining of culture, patriotism, and the importance of protecting nation-
organizational identity. Chief Mohan al interests and discerning genuine
Bhagwat further elaborated on the allies on the international stage.
Sangh’s initiatives under the Panch The centenary also honored
Parivartan programme, designed to iconic Indian leaders who exempli-
foster social harmony, preservation fied dedication, integrity, and ser-
of family values, environmental pro- vice, including Mahatma Gandhi and
tection, self-reliance, and adherence former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur
to civic and constitutional duties. Shastri. Bhagwat emphasized that
“During the Shatabdi Varsh, the their lives serve as models for per-
Sangh will attempt to ensure that sonal development, societal contri-
its work of Vyakti Nirman spreads bution, and the cultivation of nation-
across the country, and the Panch Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at al character.
Parivartan programme is adopted by RSS’ Smruti Mandir, in Nagpur (ANI File Photo) Analysts note that the RSS has
all sections of society,” he said. consistently positioned itself at the
Over the past century, the RSS intersection of culture, politics, and
has emerged not merely as a cultural on regional and global affairs. Not- liance, yet strive to maintain diplo- social development. Through its
and social organization, but also as ing political upheavals in Sri Lanka, matic relations with all our friendly shakhas, social outreach, and edu-
a guiding force in India’s contem- Bangladesh, and Nepal, he cautioned nations, which will be with our wish cational programmes, the organiza-
porary political landscape. Leaders against violent outbursts as a means and without compulsion.” tion aims to instill discipline, ethical
of the BJP and allied Sangh Parivar of societal transformation, advocat- Bhagwat reflected on India’s values, and national consciousness,
have often acknowledged the RSS’s ing democratic solutions instead. unique cultural diversity, urging citi- preparing citizens for engagement
influence on policy, governance, and “Peace, stability, prosperity, and en- zens to uphold harmony and respect in democratic and civic life. Critics,
national ethos. BJP leader Anurag suring comfort and wellbeing in these for all faiths and beliefs. He warned however, remain vocal, accusing the
Thakur, speaking on the centena- countries is a necessity arising out of against communal tensions, hooligan- RSS of political partisanship, his-
ry, emphasized the Sangh’s role in our natural affinity with these coun- ism, and premeditated provocations: torical revisionism, and ideological
“awakening India’s ancient culture tries, going beyond the consideration “Whenever some foreign ideologies rigidity. Opposition leaders continue
and eternal traditions” and in fos- for protection of our interests,” he came to India, we considered them our to raise concerns over the organiza-
tering a disciplined, service-oriented said. The RSS chief also commented own. We accept diversity in the world... tion’s influence on policy-making and
society. He noted, “The work the on global interdependence, advocat- Taking law into one’s own hands, com- its approach to communal identity.
Sangh has done to awaken India’s an- ing swadeshi and self-reliance while ing out on the streets and resorting to Despite divergent opinions, the
cient culture, eternal traditions, and maintaining diplomatic relations: violence and hooliganism is not right. centenary celebrations of the RSS
national character is unprecedented “The world functions with depen- Trying to incite a particular communi- reflect a widespread acknowledge-
and worthy of respect. Today, in ev- dence on each other... We need to ty and putting up a show of strength ment of its deep-rooted presence in
ery corner of the country, inspired by rely on swadeshi and focus on self-re- are all pre-planned conspiracies.” India’s societal fabric. The organiza-
the Sangh, countless works are being tion’s blend of volunteerism, charac-
carried out in social service, educa- ter building, cultural advocacy, and
tion, health, rural development, the social engagement demonstrates its
environment, and other areas.” strategic role in shaping India’s con-
Vice President CP Radhakrish- temporary discourse. Whether in
nan, himself a former RSS swayam- fostering individual discipline, guid-
sevak, underscored the organiza- ing public morality, addressing envi-
tion’s long-standing commitment to ronmental concerns, or positioning
nation-building and social service. India in global affairs, the RSS has
He described the RSS as “the world’s maintained its influence over a cen-
foremost patriotic organization” and tury of societal transformation.
highlighted its man-making ethos: As India marks 100 years of the
“Creating self-disciplined, responsi- Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, its
ble citizens is essential for a strong legacy—contested yet consequen-
and vibrant society. Guided by Seva tial—remains entwined with the na-
Parmo Dharmah, RSS volunteers tion’s political, cultural, and social
have always stood at the forefront trajectory. Through shakhas, social
during floods, famines, earthquakes, programmes, and public discourse,
or any other calamity—serving the the RSS continues to project a vision
needy selflessly, without expectation of India grounded in tradition, disci-
or awaiting instructions.” RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat is felicitated by Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Ni- pline, and service, seeking to balance
Beyond India’s borders, Bhag- tin Gadkari, during the launch ceremony of the audio recording of “Sanghgeet” in Nagpur (ANI) national identity with global respon-
wat addressed the RSS’s perspective sibility, and unity with diversity.
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