As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) completes 100 years of its existence, it is timely to reflect not only on its influence on Indian society but also on its lesser-discussed yet important engagement with India’s worldview and foreign policy. Founded in 1925, the RSS has consistently advocated for a civilizational and cultural perspective on national issues, a vision that naturally extends to its interpretation of India’s role on the world stage.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the RSS on social media (X), stating: “The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has completed 100 years of an unprecedented and inspiring journey. It has been committed to serving the nation and fostering self-confidence among Indians since 1925”. During his Independence Day address, he also described the Sangh as the world’s largest NGO, whose volunteers have consistently prioritized the nation’s welfare and contributed tirelessly to India’s development.

Celebrating its centenary on October 2, 2025, the RSS is a century-old organization that has contributed immensely to India’s development. Yet, misunderstandings continue in the West regarding India’s global role and the cultural-civilizational vision advanced by the RSS. The Sangh advocates a vision in which India assumes the role of a spiritual-civilizational leader (Vishwa Guru), a strong and self-reliant nation, and a champion of a multipolar and just world order.

To understand this perspective, one must revisit the writings of figures such as Sri Aurobindo, Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and others, who emphasized spiritualism, internationalism, and India’s moral leadership on the world stage. Sri Aurobindo saw India as a spiritual lighthouse of humanity—not an imperial power but a moral and civilizational force. He believed India’s rise was necessary for the evolution of mankind toward unity, higher consciousness, and a balance between the spiritual and the material.

Swami Vivekananda similarly envisioned India as the spiritual heart of the world, teaching tolerance, harmony, and the unity of religions, while embracing science, strength, and service. His........

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