Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed RSS’s 100-year legacy at its centenary celebrations, highlighting discipline, nationalism, and cultural pride. His presence underscored the deep ideological influence of the Sangh on his leadership and its continuing role in nation-building.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), marking a milestone in the journey of an organisation that has left an enduring impact on India’s socio-political landscape. Modi underscored his deep-rooted connection with the Sangh, describing it as a “privilege” to be associated with its legacy of service and discipline.
The Prime Minister’s association with the RSS dates back to his youth, where he worked as a pracharak (full-time worker). He has often acknowledged that the Sangh shaped his life’s purpose and instilled in him the values of nationalism, cultural pride, and unwavering discipline. Earlier this year, during a widely discussed podcast with Lex Fridman, Modi reiterated how the RSS gave his life direction and the conviction to work for society without personal gain.
RSS and Modi’s Political Journey
Though Modi transitioned into mainstream politics under the banner of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ideological imprint of the RSS remained visible throughout his career. From his emphasis on national unity and cultural heritage to his advocacy of discipline in governance, the Sangh’s influence has been undeniable.
Yet, after he assumed office as Prime Minister in 2014, Modi’s public appearances at RSS events became rare. This fueled speculation in political circles. Some observers suggested it was an intentional effort to maintain institutional neutrality, while others argued it was simply the result of his demanding responsibilities as the head of government.
The debate intensified after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when the BJP, though still the largest party, lost ground in states like West Bengal and Jharkhand compared to its 2019 performance. Analysts pointed to an “expanding chasm” between the BJP and the RSS, with some alleging ideological rifts and discontent within the broader Sangh Parivar.
RSS’s Role and Political Allegations
The RSS, often described as the ideological mentor of the BJP, officially maintains that it is not directly involved in electoral politics. However, its vast network of volunteers and affiliated organisations have been active in tribal and rural areas for decades. Many of its grassroots workers eventually joined the BJP, strengthening the perception of an inseparable link between the two entities.
When the BJP’s tally dropped in states where the Sangh has had a long presence, questions were raised about coordination and strategy. Some critics even hinted at internal differences, while others saw it as natural electoral variation.
Despite these narratives, Modi has consistently lauded the RSS as the “world’s largest NGO,” emphasising its century-long contributions to nation-building. His praise, however, has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition, which accuses him of undermining the legacy of the freedom struggle by placing the RSS on a pedestal.
Symbolism of Modi’s Participation
Against this backdrop, Modi’s decision to attend the centenary celebrations of the RSS as Chief Guest in New Delhi has been widely seen as both symbolic and strategic. The Prime Minister unveiled a special Rs 100 coin and a commemorative postage stamp marking the event, reinforcing the occasion’s historic significance.
In his speech, Modi hailed the RSS’s 100-year journey as an “extraordinary example of sacrifice, selfless service, nation-building, and discipline.” He highlighted the values of cultural pride and nationalism as the foundation upon which the organisation has worked tirelessly for the past century.
Interestingly, the RSS observes its foundation day on Vijayadashami each year, rather than the specific date of its establishment in 1925. This symbolic choice aligns with its ethos of discipline and tradition, echoing the themes that Modi himself repeatedly emphasised during his address.
A Complex but Enduring Relationship
Modi’s appearance at the centenary event comes months after his visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur earlier this year. Both events have been seen as reaffirmations of his bond with the organisation at a time when critics questioned his distance from it.
For the Prime Minister, acknowledging the Sangh’s centenary was not merely ceremonial. It was a statement of continuity—of the values of discipline, service, and nationalism that shaped his early years and continue to guide his leadership today.
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As the RSS embarks on its second century, the relationship between the organisation and India’s political establishment remains as significant, and as debated, as ever. Modi’s endorsement of the Sangh’s legacy at this crucial juncture highlights the enduring interplay between ideology, governance, and the cultural fabric of the nation.
