On October 2, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marked its centenary with an elaborate Vijayadashami celebration at Reshimbagh grounds in Nagpur, the city where it was founded in 1925. Over a hundred years, the RSS has grown from a small volunteer group into a sprawling socio-cultural network shaping education, governance, social welfare and political discourse, while exerting significant influence on the BJP and policy-making.
The centenary’s chief guest was former President Ram Nath Kovind, whose presence carried deep symbolic resonance. Born in a Dalit family, Kovind was initially associated with Ambedkarite thought and socialist-leaning positions before joining the BJP and emerging as a Sangh sympathiser, eventually ascending to the presidency. His ideological journey—from Ambedkarite reformer to a trusted figure of the Sangh—illustrates its ability to project itself as a unifying force across caste, ideological and regional lines. Kovind’s selection for the Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2017 exemplified the Sangh’s strategic vision to expand its support base, and his presence in Nagpur underscored the RSS’s claim to pan-Indian legitimacy.
The centenary event, attended by thousands of swayamsevaks, government officials and public figures, was meticulously orchestrated. The Reshimbagh grounds showcased exhibitions chronicling the Sangh’s century-long journey, cultural performances and historical retrospectives highlighting its resilience through colonial suppression, post-Independence scepticism and intermittent bans. Broadcast live in multiple Indian languages and streamed globally, the event reflected the RSS’s ambition to extend its civilisational narrative internationally and engage diaspora audiences.
Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat delivered his most expansive Vijayadashami address to date. Unlike earlier speeches, focused primarily on internal organisation-building, this address combined historical reflection, contemporary analysis and a forward-looking vision. Oscillating between cautionary and aspirational tones, Bhagwat warned against external dependence and internal discord, while projecting India as a civilisational power poised for global leadership.
He traced the RSS’s evolution from small shakhas (daily volunteer sessions) to a nationwide network influencing education, governance and public discourse. The centenary, he suggested, marks the threshold of a “second century” in which the Sangh aims to assert civilisational leadership, while maintaining organisational cohesion and grassroots credibility.
By inviting Kovind, the RSS highlighted strategic inclusivity. His presence signalled recognition of Ambedkarite thought within a broader nationalist framework, reinforcing the narrative that the Sangh’s vision transcends narrow majoritarianism. This was a careful calibration: blending historical continuity with political and ideological sophistication.
Bhagwat also addressed India’s role in a multipolar world, warning against over-reliance on foreign powers, and emphasising strategic autonomy in technology, defence and the economy. He called for internal cohesion, ecological stewardship and active engagement of youth and women, integrating domestic policy priorities with civilisational discourse into a comprehensive blueprint for India’s future.
Bhagwat highlighted recent national developments, including the record-breaking Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, cross-border terrorist attacks and domestic insurgency challenges. He praised the government and armed forces for decisive action but underscored the ongoing need for vigilance and self-reliance in security, technology and economy. Globally, he noted turmoil in neighbouring countries and environmental crises linked to materialist development models, arguing that Bharat’s holistic, spiritual and sustainable outlook offers a blueprint for global challenges.
The speech repeatedly returned to the idea that while material progress is necessary, the prevailing global model—focused solely on consumption and transactionalism—is inherently unsustainable. Bhagwat called for a Bharatiya approach that combines economic development with ethical duty, ecological stewardship and social cohesion.
Central to Bhagwat’s address was the role of the RSS in shaping character and social behaviour. The Sangh’s shakhas were presented as foundational to building disciplined, capable and socially responsible citizens. Emphasis was placed on Vyakti Nirman (individual character building) and Panch Parivartan (five-fold social transformation), which cover social harmony, family values, environmental protection, self-reliance and civic responsibility.
Bhagwat stressed that national unity requires embracing Bharat’s cultural diversity, while fostering a shared sense of identity. The Hindu society, he argued, is the principal custodian of Bharat’s social and moral fabric, capable of demonstrating a model of unity in diversity and “vasudhaiva kutumbakam” to the world.
Bhagwat connected Bharat’s spiritual and cultural heritage to contemporary global challenges. Drawing on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Deendayal Upadhyaya and Ram Manohar Lohia, he argued that a Bharatiya worldview—holistic, inclusive and duty-oriented—can provide solutions to social, economic and environmental crises. He stressed that India’s rise must be guided by dharma, integrating material progress with ethical and ecological responsibility.
The speech subtly reinforced the RSS’s broader strategic influence: while formally non-partisan, its ideological guidance shapes governance and policy. Bhagwat highlighted India’s global potential, while calling for vigilance against internal and external destabilising forces, reaffirming the Sangh’s long-term vision for civilisational leadership. In short, the centenary Vijayadashami address was more than a ritualistic speech—it was a manifesto for the Sangh’s second century, projecting India’s civilisational, political and global trajectory, while consolidating internal unity and public legitimacy. It signalled the RSS’s ambition to define India’s role in the 21st century, rooted in dharma, self-reliance, and civilisational consciousness.
The Big Takeaways
The Centenary as a Civilisational Milestone
Bhagwat framed the RSS’s 100 years as a civilisational milestone, celebrating India’s enduring cultural consciousness. He argued that the Sangh’s century-long journey was part of a broader effort to reclaim India’s cultural identity after colonial subjugation and post-Independence fragmentation.
Implication: The RSS positions itself as a custodian of India’s “timeless values”, asserting continuity between historical ethos and contemporary policy discourse. The centenary thus becomes both a reflection on past achievements and a strategic pivot to define India’s role in the coming century.
India as a Distinct Global Pole
A recurring theme was India’s potential to assert itself as a civilisational pole in world affairs. Bhagwat cautioned against over-reliance on Western powers or China, advocating a self-reliant, value-based global leadership.
Context: This aligns with the Narendra Modi government’s strategic autonomy doctrine and initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), projecting India as neither East nor West but a civilisational force.
Self-Reliance in Technology and Economy
Bhagwat stressed technological and economic sovereignty, praising India’s strides in space, digital infrastructure and pharmaceuticals, but warning that key sectors must not be hostage to foreign powers.
Implication: The Sangh sees self-reliance as integral to national security, likely reinforcing government focus on domestic manufacturing in defence, electronics, telecom and clean energy.
Warning Against Internal Discord
Bhagwat urged that India’s diversity is a strength, not a vulnerability, cautioning against forces that exploit caste, religious or linguistic differences.
Implication: Ahead of multiple state elections, this signals the RSS’s intent to temper polarising rhetoric, while maintaining cultural-nationalist core messaging. It is an effort to position itself as both disciplined and inclusive.
Recasting the Role of the Swayamsevak
Bhagwat called on swayamsevaks to be active agents of change, engaging in education, entrepreneurship, social service and environmental stewardship.
Implication: The Sangh is moving from being a cadre-building organisation to a social actor, deploying its volunteers in visible roles across governance, economy and civil society.
Women at the Centre of Nation-Building
For the first time, Bhagwat highlighted women’s leadership in education, governance and economic spheres, framing it as essential to India’s rise.
Implication: This reflects a strategic inclusivity, resonating with growing political and economic recognition of women. Potential expansion of women-focused initiatives in the RSS ecosystem is expected.
The Green Imperative: Dharma and Ecology
Bhagwat linked ecological responsibility to dharmic duty, calling rivers sacred, forests heritage and environmental balance central to civilisational ethos.
Implication: The Sangh seeks to mobilise its grassroots network for afforestation, water conservation and sustainable agriculture, integrating ecological stewardship with nationalist discourse.
Engagement with Youth and Technology
Acknowledging India’s demographic dividend, Bhagwat urged youth to innovate, lead and channel energy into nation-building.
Implication: Technology is reframed as a tool for civilisational outreach. The Sangh’s increased digital presence, ed-tech initiatives and skill development programmes will likely expand, targeting youth engagement and leadership.
The State, Politics and the Sangh
Bhagwat maintained that the RSS is formally non-partisan but noted its ideological influence on governance. He praised government achievements, while urging accountability and humility.
Implication: The Sangh positions itself as a moral authority, shaping policy priorities without direct political management—a subtle reminder of its strategic oversight.
The Road Ahead: The Sangh’s Second Century
Bhagwat concluded by framing the second century of the RSS as a project to make Bharat a “vishwa guru”, a civilisational guide integrating spiritual wisdom, technological capability and cultural resilience.
Implication: The centenary call positions swayamsevaks as heirs to a civilisational mission, projecting the RSS’s long-term influence on India’s domestic, cultural and global trajectory.
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