PM Narendra Modi marked a historic milestone in India’s cultural narrative by releasing a special postage stamp and a commemorative Rs 100 coin to celebrate the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This occasion is more than just a tribute to a century-old organization—it’s the first time ever that Bharat Mata, an iconic personification of India, has been depicted on Indian currency, symbolizing a proud and deeply significant national moment.
The Coin and Stamp: Symbols of Service and Dedication
The special Rs 100 coin features the national emblem on one side and a majestic image of Bharat Mata in the Varada Mudra—a gesture of blessing and giving—seated alongside a lion. What stands out is the depiction of swayamsevaks (RSS volunteers) bowing with devotion before her, a visual that echoes the spirit of national dedication and unity central to the RSS ethos. The coin also carries the RSS motto: “Rashtriya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama,” meaning “Everything is dedicated to the nation, Everything is the nation’s, Nothing is mine.”
Simultaneously, the commemorative postage stamp commemorates the RSS’s participation in the landmark 1963 Republic Day Parade—a significant moment recalling the organisation’s deep involvement in national life and demonstrating the government’s recognition of its century-long journey.
संघ के शताब्दी समारोह में विशेष डाक टिकट और स्मृति सिक्के जारी कर बहुत गौरवान्वित हूं। @RSSorg pic.twitter.com/Bsewae2iec
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2025
PM Modi’s Reflections and Symbolism
At the launch event, PM Modi called it “a moment of great pride and historical significance,” noting how the coin marks Bharat Mata’s first appearance on independent India’s currency. He drew attention to the RSS’s core message of total service and sacrifice for the motherland and linked it to India’s “unity in diversity,” warning that the nation’s strength relies on reinforcing these values in the face of any internal or external divisions.
Modi highlighted how the RSS was founded on Vijayadashami—a day symbolizing the victory of good over evil—emphasizing that its establishment in 1925 was not a coincidence but rather a “resurrection of a tradition continuing for thousands of years.” He celebrated the RSS’s full century of “dedication, unity, and national service,” and reminded the audience of his own roots as an RSS ‘pracharak’ before transitioning into mainstream politics.
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A Legacy of Service and Social Impact
Over its 100 years, the RSS has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s national identity and contributing to social development. Its vast network of volunteers has participated in education, healthcare, disaster relief, as well as nation-building efforts from rural upliftment to women’s empowerment. From relief during the Partition and natural disasters to social welfare, blood donation, and food distribution during crises like floods and the Covid-19 pandemic, the RSS model has emphasized voluntary service and grassroots engagement.
