Nagpur — At Reshimbagh grounds in Nagpur, where it was founded a century ago, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) celebrated its 100th Vijayadashami with grandeur, solemnity, and reflection. More than 21,000 swayamsevaks, clad in traditional uniform, participated in the centenary event that featured ceremonial displays, Shastra Puja of both ancient and modern weaponry, and addresses by Dr Mohan Bhagwat, RSS Sarsanghchalak, and former President Ram Nath Kovind.
The day was not only an organisational milestone but also a moment of civilisational projection. Mohan Bhagwat called for Swadeshi, urged vigilance and unity, and recalled the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on the 350th anniversary of his martyrdom, framing it as a symbol of protection and courage. Ram Nath Kovind, in turn, praised the Sangh’s values, rejected allegations of casteism, and urged young Indians to enter politics.
PM Modi in Delhi, Bhagwat ji in Nagpur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the centenary year a day earlier in New Delhi, presiding over glittering government functions on October 1. The Prime Minister released commemorative stamps and coins and spoke at length about the Sangh’s century-long journey. Notably, Mohan Bhagwat did not attend the Delhi programme, while PM Modi was absent from Nagpur’s grand centenary gathering.
This twin-track commemoration — PM Modi leading the government’s events in the capital, Sarsnaghchalak Mohan Bhagwat presiding over the Sangh’s traditional Vijayadashami in Nagpur — underscored the subtle distinction between state celebrations and organisational ritual. It also highlighted the carefully calibrated relationship between the Sangh and the BJP-led government.
A Century of Growth
Founded in 1925 on Vijayadashami by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS has grown from a small cadre in Nagpur to one of India’s most influential socio-cultural organisations. Its network of shakhas and affiliates now shapes education, social reform, politics, and community service.
The centenary event opened with Shastra Puja, honouring both traditional and modern weapons — swords and lathis alongside drones, rifles, and Pinaka rockets. The blend of ancient symbolism and contemporary technology reflected the Sangh’s claim to continuity and adaptability.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the Nagpur event, while Modi’s absence was widely remarked upon.
Mohan Bhagwat’s Vijayadashami Address
Mohan Bhagwat’s keynote address was the centrepiece of the day. Wide-ranging and assertive, it touched on global trade, democratic responsibility, national security, social harmony, and environmental challenges.
Swadeshi and U.S. Tariffs
Mohan Bhagwat argued that India must chart its own economic path amid turbulent global conditions. Referring to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, he said:
“There is no substitute for Swadeshi and Swavalamban. The world functions on interdependence. No nation can live in isolation. This interdependence should not be turned into compulsion. We must move towards Swadeshi and self-reliance; there is no alternative.”
For him, Swadeshi was not only economic strategy but civilisational obligation.
Democracy vs. Anarchy
Warning against violent uprisings that had led to regime changes in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, Mohan Bhagwat declared: “Differences with the government should always be expressed through a legal route. The grammar of anarchy must stop.” He emphasised that democratic movements alone bring real transformation.
National Security
He also invoked the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed after being asked about their religion. Praising the government’s strong reply under Operation Sindoor, Mohan Bhagwat said: “Even though we maintain friendly relations with other countries, when it comes to our security, we need to be more careful, more watchful and stronger.”
Social Unity and India’s Global Role
Reiterating the Sangh’s ethos of harmony, Mohan Bhagwat stressed: “The ‘us versus them’ mentality is not acceptable. Our tradition is unity in diversity.” He added that the world now looks to India for answers: “The universe wants India to lead by example and show the world a way.”
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: The Shield of Hind
The most solemn note came when Mohan Bhagwat invoked the memory of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, whose martyrdom is being commemorated in its 350th year. He said:
“यह वर्ष श्री गुरु तेग बहादुर जी महाराज के पावन देहोत्सर्ग का तीनसौ पचासवाँ वर्ष है। हिन्द की चादर बनकर उनके उस बलिदान ने विदेशी विधर्मी अत्याचार से हिन्दू समाज की रक्षा की।”
(“This year marks the 350th anniversary of the sacred martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Maharaj. As the Shield of Hind, his sacrifice protected Hindu society from foreign tyrannical oppression.”)
By presenting Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as Hind ki Chadar, Mohan Bhagwat tied the Sangh’s centenary to a deeper legacy of sacrifice, protection, and civilisational resilience.
“The Ideal for Every Indian”: The Shakha and the Swayamsevak
Mohan Bhagwat also reflected on the role of the RSS shakha in shaping character:
“This organisation should be an ideal for every Indian. If there is no discrimination on the basis of faith or language, then through regular participation in the Shakha, a swayamsevak develops:
👉 Vyaktitv (Personality)
👉 Kartrutv (Doership)
👉 Netrutv (Leadership)
👉 Samajhdari (Wisdom)
👉 Bhakti (Devotion).”
The list of virtues was presented as the Sangh’s answer to building disciplined, service-oriented citizens.
Ram Nath Kovind: Equality, Politics, and Memory
Former President Ram Nath Kovind followed Mohan Bhagwat with a reflective and principled address.
Ram Nath Kovind recalled how Dr Hedgewar and Dr B.R. Ambedkar shaped his outlook. He categorically rejected allegations of casteism in the RSS: “There is no casteism and discrimination in RSS. The Sangh has always been a supporter of social unity.”
He also invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s 1947 visit to an RSS rally, where Gandhi ji praised the Sangh’s discipline, cleanliness, and anti-untouchability stance.
Turning to politics, Ram Nath Kovind lamented that “good people are staying away from politics” and urged the youth to enter public life. He also announced his forthcoming autobiography, Triumph of the Indian Republic, to be released later this year.
Concluding, Ram Nath Kovind described the RSS as “a sacred, sprawling banyan tree that unites the people of Bharat, instilling pride while rejuvenating the nation’s glory and progress.”
Significance of the Centenary
The centenary is being marked by a year-long series of events, including more than one lakh Hindu Sammelans across India. The Nagpur celebration was the ceremonial high point, blending ritual, discipline, and political narrative.
Mohan Bhagwat’s invocation of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji gave the event its emotional peak. Yet it is also being seen as part of the Sangh’s outreach to the Sikh community. RSS leaders have often described Sikhs as “one of their own,” highlighting shared traditions. But large sections of the Sikh community — particularly in rural Punjab — remain skeptical. Many interpret such references as an attempt to fold Sikh identity into a broader Hindu framework, a view that continues to create unease.
Conclusion
On its 100th Vijayadashami, the RSS sought to showcase both continuity and future direction. Mohan Bhagwat’s emphasis on Swadeshi, vigilance, and social harmony, his invocation of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and his description of the shakha as an “ideal for every Indian” defined the day’s message. Ram Nath Kovind’s call for equality and youth participation gave it a complementary, civic tone.
But the centenary was also notable for what it revealed politically: Modi in Delhi, Mohan Bhagwat in Nagpur, each celebrating the Sangh’s milestone on separate stages. And the invocation of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji — the “Hind ki Chadar” — while solemn, was also interpreted as strategic outreach to the Sikh community, many of whom,especially in Punjab’s rural areas, remain wary of the Sangh’s intentions. The centenary, therefore, became not just a celebration of a hundred years, but also a reminder of the delicate balance the RSS must maintain between heritage, politics, and its quest for wider acceptance.