Dedicated to the Motherland: 100 Years of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (R.S.S.)

The Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (R.S.S.), one of the oldest social organizations of India dedicated to humanity and the motherland, completed its 100 years on 27th September 2025. With a visionary approach towards social evolution, the organization has consistently worked for the upliftment of weaker sections of society and the promotion of Indian culture, discipline, and civilizational values.
R.S.S. volunteers have always stood by the nation in times of need—be it during wars, natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, or famine. With a positive outlook, they have worked tirelessly with a spirit of social service.
The organization was founded on 27th September 1925 at Nagpur by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, an Indian physician who envisioned a strong, disciplined society at a time when India was struggling for independence from British rule. He became the first Sarsanghchalak of the R.S.S. with the guiding ideology of social service and nation-building. His vision laid the foundation for an ever-growing volunteer-based organization.
After India’s independence, the R.S.S. expanded its presence across the country by opening branches and affiliating with several social organizations dedicated to education, charity, cultural promotion, and community development. However, the organization also faced challenges, including bans in 1947 and 1948 following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, during the Emergency in 1975 when volunteers were imprisoned, and again in 1992 after the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
The leadership of the R.S.S. passed on from Dr. Hedgewar to M.S. Golwalkar in 1940, under whose guidance the organization strengthened its roots. Later, Madhukar Dattatraya “Balasaheb” Deoras, Rajendra Singh, and K.S. Sudarshan served as Sarsanghchalaks. Since 2009, Mohan Bhagwat has been leading the Sangh as the present Sarsanghchalak.
Every year on Vijaydashmi, R.S.S. celebrates its foundation day with route marches and flag salutation ceremonies (Dhwaj Pranam), not only across India but also in several countries abroad.
In 2025, the R.S.S. marks its centenary celebrations as “Shatabdi Divas,” spreading its ideology and message of cultural pride, discipline, and selfless service across the nation under the leadership of Mohan Bhagwat.
Authored by:
Rajat Kumar Mohindru
Journalist, Jalandhar City
(Views are personal)