Prime Minister Modi Unveils RSS Centenary Coin and Bharat Mata Stamp

Historic Unveiling Marks RSS Centenary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, unveiled a special ₹100 commemorative coin and a postage stamp featuring Bharat Mata, marking the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The event took place at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, India.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the RSS's 100-year journey of service and dedication, describing the organization as an embodiment of 'timeless national consciousness'. He emphasized the crucial role the Sangh is expected to play in building a developed India by 2047.

Details of the Commemorative Coin

The newly unveiled ₹100 coin is crafted from pure silver. Its design features the National Emblem, specifically the Lion Capital of the Ashoka Pillar, on one side.

The reverse side of the coin showcases an image of Bharat Mata in 'Varad Mudra' (a hand position symbolizing the granting of blessings), seated alongside a lion, with swayamsevaks (RSS volunteers) depicted bowing before her. Prime Minister Modi noted that this marks a significant moment, as it is possibly the first time in independent India's history that Bharat Mata's image has appeared on Indian currency. The coin also bears the RSS motto: 'Rashtraya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama', which translates to 'Everything is dedicated to the nation, Everything is the nation's, Nothing is mine', along with the years 1925–2025.

The Commemorative Postage Stamp

Accompanying the coin, a special postage stamp was also released to commemorate '100 Years of the RSS'. The stamp features an image of RSS swayamsevaks participating in the 1963 Republic Day Parade. This particular event is considered a milestone in RSS history, symbolizing national service and dedication. Some reports also indicate a secondary image on the stamp depicting RSS volunteers engaged in social work. The stamp carries the motto: 'Rashtra Bhakti – Seva – Anushashan' (Service to the Nation – Patriotism – Discipline).

Context and Reactions

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, founded in 1925 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, was established as a volunteer-based organization focused on fostering cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility. The centenary celebrations officially commence on Vijayadashami in Nagpur, but this event in Delhi served as a significant precursor.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, BJP leader Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale. While BJP leaders hailed the release as a recognition of a century of service, the move drew criticism from opposition parties, including the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), who accused the government of promoting a 'sectarian agenda' and 'falsifying history' by glorifying the RSS.