'RSS a symbol of patriotism and service'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh as a symbol of “patriotism and service” averring that since its foundation a century ago its work has rested on the goal of nation-building, a clear path of personal development and the vibrant practice of the Shakha which remains “a ground of inspiration, where the journey from ‘me’ to 'we' begins”.

- Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

Addressing the centenary celebrations of the RSS at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Modi said the founding of RSS a 100 years ago was not a coincidence but rather a “restoration of an ancient tradition spanning thousands of years, wherein national consciousness manifests in new forms to meet the challenges of each era.”

The PM also spoke about the modern-day challenges of “economic dependence on other nations, conspiracies to disrupt national unity, and demographic manipulation”. He said the Sangh has not only identified these but also “formulated a concrete roadmap to confront them”.

Modi said social harmony today faces a grave challenge from demographic manipulation and infiltration as these impact internal security and future peace and noted that this is what led him to announce the Demography Mission from the Red Fort in his Independence Day speech.

The Prime Minister, who had following imposition of bilateral and additional tariffs by the United States, called upon the society to adopt the mantra of “swadeshi” as a collective resolve, also sought the support of the Sangh in ensuring the success of the “Vocal for Local” campaign.