As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks its centenary year in 2025, the occasion has taken on monumental significance for both the organization and the political landscape of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a historic gathering, underlined the Sangh’s enduring fight against caste-based discrimination and highlighted the urgent threat posed by illegal immigration. His address, infused with both reflection and caution, sought to frame the RSS centenary not merely as a celebration of its past but as a roadmap for India’s future.
The Significance of RSS Centenary 2025
Founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, the RSS has grown from a small cadre of dedicated volunteers into one of the most influential social and cultural organizations in the world. Its 100-year milestone stands as a testament to its ideological resilience, adaptability, and ability to shape India’s sociopolitical discourse.
The centenary is not just a symbolic milestone; it represents the Sangh’s role in building institutions, nurturing leadership, and offering a unique model of grassroots organization. PM Modi’s speech during this landmark year emphasized the RSS’s role in combating divisions within Indian society, while also cautioning about emerging challenges such as demographic changes linked to illegal immigration.
PM Modi on Fighting Caste Bias
One of the most striking elements of the Prime Minister’s address was his unequivocal statement on caste discrimination. Caste, historically a source of deep division in Indian society, has often been exploited for political gain. The PM emphasized that the RSS has consistently sought to eradicate caste prejudice, fostering a sense of unity based on the principle of “One Nation, One People.”
Key Takeaways:
- RSS Outreach Programs: The Sangh has organized numerous initiatives in villages and urban communities to bridge caste divides, from joint celebrations of festivals to collaborative service programs.
- Historical Perspective: The PM highlighted that even in its early years, RSS shakhas (daily gatherings) did not recognize caste distinctions — every swayamsevak stood shoulder-to-shoulder, whether from a so-called “upper” or “lower” caste background.
- Modern Relevance: Modi connected the fight against caste with India’s economic and social progress, stating that a divided society cannot achieve the ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
By spotlighting the Sangh’s anti-caste stance, Modi sought to counter narratives that paint the RSS as exclusionary. Instead, he framed it as a unifying force that has consistently sought to dissolve discriminatory barriers.
The Challenge of Illegal Immigration
While celebrating the Sangh’s achievements, the Prime Minister also sounded a note of caution about illegal immigration. He highlighted the social, cultural, and security risks posed by uncontrolled cross-border movement, particularly from India’s eastern and north-eastern frontiers.
Why It Matters:
- Demographic Impact: The influx of illegal immigrants alters local demographics, often creating tension with indigenous populations.
- Security Risks: Unregulated immigration raises concerns about terrorism, trafficking, and organized crime.
- Economic Pressure: Illegal immigrants can compete with local populations for jobs, resources, and social welfare benefits, straining limited infrastructure.
- Cultural Identity: Modi warned of the risk of diluting indigenous traditions and languages in sensitive regions such as Assam, West Bengal, and Tripura.
Government’s Approach
- Strengthening border security with modern surveillance technologies.
- Accelerating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) update process.
- Enhancing coordination with neighboring countries to address cross-border movement.
Modi framed this issue as not just a matter of national security but one of cultural preservation and long-term societal stability.
RSS Legacy at 100 Years
The centenary celebration is also a moment to reflect on the RSS’s wider legacy. Over the past century, the Sangh has influenced countless organizations, from cultural to educational to political. Its role in nurturing leadership — many of whom later entered mainstream politics — is undeniable.
- Institution Building: RSS-affiliated bodies such as the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and Vidya Bharati have shaped labor rights and educational initiatives respectively.
- Nation-Building: The Sangh has been at the forefront of relief efforts during natural disasters, from earthquakes to floods, reinforcing its reputation as a grassroots service organization.
- Political Influence: While officially not a political entity, its ideological imprint on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been instrumental in shaping national policies.
Centenary Celebrations Across India
The 100-year milestone is being commemorated with grand events across India, featuring:
- Exhibitions chronicling the history and evolution of the RSS.
- Cultural Programs showcasing traditional art, music, and dance from different regions.
- Public Lectures and Seminars on themes such as nationalism, social harmony, and global geopolitics.
- Service Campaigns including blood donation drives, tree plantations, and rural development projects.
These celebrations are not limited to India. The RSS’s global wings are hosting programs in countries such as the United States, the UK, and Australia, reflecting its growing international footprint.
Global Context and Parallels
Interestingly, the issues highlighted by PM Modi resonate with global concerns. Countries around the world are grappling with debates over immigration, identity, and national security. For instance, in the United States, immigration has become a central political issue tied to trade, economy, and sovereignty. Discussions on protectionism and border security often overlap with wider debates on cultural cohesion.
For example, debates around U.S. tariffs and immigration illustrate how domestic stability can be tied to global economic and demographic shifts. This article on Trump’s tariff policies provides useful context on how protectionism and national identity politics often intertwine. Similarly, the repeated government shutdowns in the U.S. due to immigration-linked funding disputes (see this article) show how deeply these issues can affect governance.
By situating India’s immigration debate within this global framework, Modi positioned the issue as part of a larger struggle that many nations are confronting in the 21st century.
PM’s Vision for the Future
In his centenary speech, PM Modi articulated a broader vision for India:
- Unity Beyond Caste and Religion: A society that stands united against divisive forces.
- Cultural Self-Reliance (Swadeshi): Building confidence in India’s traditions, industries, and values.
- National Security: Strengthening borders and addressing demographic imbalances.
- Global Leadership: Aspiring for India to be a cultural and moral leader in a world facing identity crises.
The message was clear: India must draw strength from its cultural heritage while staying vigilant against emerging threats.
Criticism and Counter-Narratives
Of course, not everyone agrees with the RSS or the PM’s framing of these issues. Critics argue that:
- The RSS’s record on caste discrimination is mixed and often contested.
- The focus on illegal immigration sometimes risks alienating genuine refugees and marginalized communities.
- Emphasis on cultural preservation may be seen as majoritarian in outlook.
Nevertheless, even critics acknowledge the RSS’s organizational strength and its ability to mobilize people around shared goals.
Conclusion
The RSS Centenary 2025 is not just an occasion of nostalgia but a defining moment for India’s cultural and political trajectory. Prime Minister Modi’s speech combined celebration with caution — praising the Sangh’s fight against caste discrimination while warning of the challenges posed by illegal immigration.
As India stands at the cusp of its centenary of independence in 2047, the vision articulated during the Sangh’s 100-year celebrations offers a glimpse of how national identity, unity, and security are likely to dominate public discourse in the coming decades.
Whether one views the RSS as a cultural guardian, a political influencer, or a polarizing force, its centenary underscores one undeniable truth: the organization has been, and will continue to be, a central player in shaping the destiny of India.