As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh celebrates its centenary this month, a hundred years on, it remains a powerful force in shaping India s socio-political narrative — commanding both reverence and criticism in equal measure

This month, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) celebrates its 100th anniversary, having been founded by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur. This centenary coincides with Vijaya Dashami on October 2.

The RSS is one of India’s most powerful Hindu nationalist organisations and often faces criticism from the Opposition for promoting divisive ideas — allegations it firmly denies. The organisation describes itself as a movement focused on Hindu revivalism and social upliftment. However, it has often been criticised for viewing Muslims as adversaries.

The RSS has produced two BJP Prime Ministers — Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi — who have both led the country successfully. At an event in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi shared stories from his early days as a pracharak (campaigner) and praised the RSS for its nation-building role. He also unveiled a new coin featuring the national emblem on one side and Bharat Mata in the “Varad Mudra” on the other. It was the first time Bharat Mata appeared on Indian currency. Modi highlighted the RSS’s crucial role in shaping India’s vision for........

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