RSS centenary: PM Modi releases coin with 'Bharat Mata' for the first time, along with special postage stamp

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released a specially designed commemorative postage stamp and a coin to mark the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), highlighting the organisation's significant contributions to the nation.

He described the coin, valued at Rs 100, as unique with the National Emblem on one side and an image of Bharat Mata seated on a lion in 'varad mudra', with swayamsevaks bowing before her on the other side, marking the first time Bharat Mata has appeared on Indian currency in independent India. The commemorative postage stamp features an image of RSS swayamsevaks participating in the Republic Day parade of 1963, symbolising the organisation's historical presence.

Speaking at the centenary event in New Delhi, PM Modi praised the RSS for its enduring commitment to nation-building. He said, "Just as human civilisations flourish along the banks of mighty rivers, similarly, hundreds of lives have blossomed and thrived along the banks and in the flow of the RSS." Modi emphasised that the formation of RSS 100 years ago on Vijayadashami,a festival symbolising the victory of good over evil, truth over falsehood, and light over darkness, was no coincidence.

Paying tribute to the founder, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Modi said, "I pay my humble tribute at the feet of the founder of the Sangh, our revered ideal, the most worshipful Dr Hedgewar ji." He extended his best wishes to the millions of RSS volunteers working selflessly for national service.

Modi also highlighted the unifying ethos of RSS, noting that its many sub-organisations work across various aspects of life without conflict, united by the shared aim of "Nation First." The RSS, founded as a volunteer-based organisation in 1925 to foster cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility, has played a vital role in education, health, social welfare, disaster relief, and empowering youth, women, and farmers.