Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a special monument coin of Rs 100 on the occasion of the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on 1 October. This is the first time the image of ‘Bharat Mata’ is mentioned on an Indian currency. In the coin, RSS volunteers are shown bows in front of Bharat Mata in the uniform of the Sangh. This occasion was described by PM Modi as proud and historic.
The RSS’s basic mantra on the coin is also inscribed ‘Rashtriya Swaha, Idan Rashtraya, Idan Mama’, which means – “Everything is dedicated to the nation, nothing is mine”. The postage stamp released on this occasion depicts the participation of RSS volunteers in the 1963 Republic Day parade.
For the first time in independent India’s history, Bharat Mata appears on our currency.
— Vanathi Srinivasan (@VanathiBJP) October 1, 2025
On the occasion of #RSS100Years, PM @narendramodi unveiled a specially designed commemorative postage stamp & coin, honoring the century-long service & contribution of the RSS. pic.twitter.com/A9UrEO84TD
However, opposition parties strongly criticized the event. He alleged that the government glorified the RSS through the Ministry of Culture, and the event was also involved in the event Dattatreya Hosbale.
The Congress objected to this, saying that the RSS did not play any role in the freedom struggle. The CPI (Marxist) criticized the coins and postage stamps and described it as an insult to the Constitution. He said that the image of ‘Bharat Mata’ has been promoted by the RSS as a symbol of the nation of Hindutva.
The CPI (M) also said that the claim of the presence of RSS in the 1963 parade is historically incorrect. He described it as a false claim, stating that Nehru invited the RSS, while there is no confirmation. Party leader MA Baby accused the PM that he was giving validity to the communal agenda of the RSS by misusing his post and distorting the history of the freedom struggle.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, citing a 1948 letter from Sardar Patel, said that Patel himself held the activities of the RSS and Hindu Mahasabha responsible for the assassination of Gandhiji. In another post, Ramesh also mentioned Sardar Patel’s 1948 public speech, in which Patel criticized the RSS.
At the same time, Prime Minister Modi said that the RSS has always worked on the principle of “nation first” and never showed bitterness despite atrocities. He also claimed that the RSS supported freedom fighters, and many volunteers also went to jail.
The RSS was founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur. Its purpose was to promote cultural awareness, discipline and spirit of service. PM Modi himself has been a pracharak of the RSS and is associated with the BJP, which is considered to be the political branch of the RSS.
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