Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as an organisation dedicated to character-building, where individuals transform their journey from ‘I’ to ‘We’. He was addressing the centenary celebrations of RSS at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi.
RSS And Its Role In Nation Building
PM Modi said the RSS took a firm resolve of national development by focusing on the growth of individuals. He noted that Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the organisation, believed that the nation could only be empowered when each citizen cultivated a strong sense of responsibility. “The RSS is an organisation of inspiration, from where the journey of a volunteer from ‘I’ to ‘We’ begins,” the Prime Minister said. He emphasised that the numerous RSS-affiliated organisations all work under the common vision of “Nation First” without any internal contradictions.
Character Development Through Shakhas
Highlighting the role of shakhas, PM Modi called them “sacred platforms” for physical, mental, and social growth. “Within these shakhas, swayamsevaks develop courage and a spirit of national service. The simplicity of their work, combined with a great aim of nation-building, forms the foundation of the Sangh,” he explained.
RSS In Freedom Struggle And Beyond
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Hedgewar and recalled the active participation of RSS workers in India’s independence movement. He said Hedgewar himself was imprisoned in Nagpur Jail for his involvement. Modi pointed out that despite repeated conspiracies and attempts to suppress the RSS, the organisation never lost focus. “Even after Independence, attempts were made to crush the Sangh. Guruji was falsely implicated, yet he responded with composure that remains inspirational,” he said.
Overcoming Challenges
PM Modi concluded by saying that the RSS has survived conspiracies and attacks because its volunteers have always placed service above acrimony. He praised their resilience and continued contribution to nation-building over the last 100 years.
