A CENTURY OF THE SANGH: REFLECTING ON 100 YEARS OF RASHTRIYA SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH

On Vijayadashami day in 1925, in the city of Nagpur, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar gathered 20 young volunteers to begin what would become one of India’s most enduring socio-cultural movements.

- RAVI RAMESHCHANDRA SHUKLA & PRADYUMAN S KHILERI

In the span of a century, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has witnessed extraordinary growth, from modest beginnings to an estimated 83,000 shakhas (branches) and about 4 million swayamsevaks across the country. Today, as the Sangh marks its centenary, it invites reflection not just on its history but on its organizational model, its impact in nation-building, and the quiet but sustained civic work it does across India.

To mark its centenary year (2025-2026), the RSS has launched a series of events across India under the banner "100 Years of Sangh: A Century of Service and Samarpan." More than 100,000 public gatherings are being held, including exhibitions, youth parades, dialogues, and cultural programs in every state. Former President Ram Nath Kovind was invited as the chief guest at a grand event in Nagpur, where the Sangh began its journey a century ago.

RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat in his centenary message emphasized the need for inner transformation, cautioning against material greed, and urging all Indians to adopt a “Swabased lifestyle” one that harmonizes self-identity, responsibility, and rootedness with modern development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a lifelong swayamsevak himself, unveiled a commemorative postage stamp and coin, praising the Sangh’s “unyielding commitment to national service, unity, and moral discipline.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded it as “an inspiring saga of nation-building through silent sacrifice.”

The RSS identifies itself as a socio-cultural movement centered on character building, discipline, and social service. Its fundamental unit is the daily or weekly shakha, a gathering where swayamsevaks, mostly youth, come together to engage in physical training, group discussion, cultural education, and moral reflection.