[ad_1]
On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the “world’s biggest NGO” while celebrating its centenary year.
| Photo Credit:
DD/ANI Video grab
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the “world’s biggest NGO” and paid glowing tribute to its ‘swayamsevaks’ for their century-long service to the nation.
Modi was effusive about the RSS, celebrating its centenary year in 2025, during his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day.
A pracharak himself before shifting to the BJP for a political career, Modi said, “Today I want to mention one thing with great pride that 100 years ago an organisation was born — the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Its 100 years of national service has been a very proud and glorious page.”.
Centenary celebrations
The Prime Minister said the RSS has worked tirelessly for 100 years to promote unity, service and character-building across generations. “From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I bow to every pracharak who gave their lives to the nation, without seeking fame or reward,” Modi said.
Values and service
Modi described the organisation as a “movement of values and selfless service” and credited it for instilling in him the principles of discipline, patriotism and commitment to society. “The Sangh is not just an organisation; it is, in many ways, the world’s biggest NGO,” he said.
In a broader message, Modi emphasised that building a nation is not the task of governments alone. “A country is not built by those in power or by government schemes alone. It is built by the collective effort of every citizen, by countless individuals and organisations that work quietly and tirelessly for society. The RSS is one such example,” he said.
The country is proud of the 100 years of the RSS’s “dedicated and glorious” journey, he said. “It will keep inspiring us,” he emphasised.
Never before had Modi spoken at length about the RSS in his Independence Day speeches after becoming PM in 2014.
A series of programmes and outreach events across the country are marking the centenary year of the Sangh. Senior Sangh leaders, swayamsevaks, and affiliated organisations have held conferences and community initiatives throughout the year, culminating in a grand centenary event scheduled later this year in Nagpur.
Nation-building role
Modi also acknowledged the organisation’s role during critical moments in India’s post-Independence history. “From times of natural calamities to campaigns for social cohesion, the RSS has always been there — away from the limelight, but at the heart of service,” he said.
Opposition reaction
Meanwhile, Opposition parties on Friday criticised Modi for showering praise on the RSS in his Independence Day speech, saying it was “most troubling” and “deeply regrettable”.
Describing it as a “breach” of the spirit of the constitutional and secular republic, the Congress said it is a desperate attempt to appease the Sangh in the run-up to his 75th birthday.
“The PM was tired today. Soon he will be retired,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said.
Published on August 15, 2025
[ad_2]
Source link
