New Delhi: Historic release of coin and stamp for RSS centenary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic milestone in India’s cultural and national narrative by unveiling a special Rs 100 coin and a commemorative postage stamp to celebrate the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The occasion not only commemorates a century-old organisation but also represents the first time Bharat Mata, an iconic personification of India, has appeared on Indian currency—a deeply symbolic moment for the nation.
The launch ceremony, held in New Delhi, highlighted the RSS’s century-long journey of service, national dedication, and grassroots engagement. Officials and dignitaries from across the country attended the event, celebrating the legacy and impact of the organisation.
The coin and stamp: Symbols of service and unity
The special Rs 100 coin features the national emblem on one side and a majestic image of Bharat Mata in the Varada Mudra, symbolising blessing and generosity, seated alongside a lion. The coin also depicts RSS volunteers (swayamsevaks) bowing with devotion before her, symbolising service and unity central to the organisation’s ethos.
Inscribed on the coin is the RSS motto: “Rashtriya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama”—translated as “Everything is dedicated to the nation, Everything is the nation’s, Nothing is mine.” This encapsulates the spirit of sacrifice and total commitment to the country that the RSS has promoted over the decades.
Simultaneously, the commemorative postage stamp celebrates the RSS’s participation in the 1963 Republic Day Parade, highlighting the organisation’s historical involvement in national life and the government’s recognition of its contributions over a century.
PM Modi’s reflections on the centenary
At the event, PM Modi described the launch as “a moment of great pride and historical significance,” emphasising that the coin marks Bharat Mata’s first appearance on independent India’s currency. He underscored the RSS’s core message of service, sacrifice, and national unity, linking it to India’s strength in diversity. Modi warned that sustaining these values is essential in the face of internal and external challenges to national cohesion.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the symbolic importance of the RSS’s founding on Vijayadashami, a day representing the triumph of good over evil, noting that its establishment in 1925 represented the continuation of a tradition spanning thousands of years. Modi recalled his own roots as an RSS pracharak, connecting the organisation’s values with his personal journey and broader political vision.
Legacy of service and social impact
Over the past 100 years, the RSS has contributed significantly to India’s national identity and social development. Its volunteers have played roles in education, healthcare, disaster relief, and rural development, as well as women’s empowerment initiatives.
From aiding communities during the Partition, providing disaster relief during floods, and distributing food and blood during the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation’s model has emphasised voluntary service and grassroots engagement. Its centenary celebrations not only recognise these efforts but also reinforce the ideology of nation-first service promoted by the RSS.
Conclusion
The release of the Rs 100 coin and commemorative stamp reflects India’s acknowledgement of RSS’s century-long contribution to national service, social development, and volunteerism. The depiction of Bharat Mata on currency underscores a symbolic alignment of cultural heritage with civic commitment, marking a historic moment in India’s post-Independence narrative