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ଦେଶ ସେବାର 100 ବର୍ଷ ପୂର୍ତ୍ତି

Published By : Admin | October 2, 2025 | 08:00 IST

A hundred years ago, on the sacred occasion of Vijayadashami, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded. This was not the creation of something entirely new. It was a newer manifestation of an ancient tradition, where India’s eternal national consciousness expresses itself periodically, in different forms, to face the challenges of the times. In our times, the Sangh is the embodiment of that timeless national consciousness. It is the good fortune of our generation of swayamsevaks that we are witnessing the Sangh’s centenary.

On this historic occasion, I extend my greetings to the countless swayamsevaks who remain dedicated to the pledge of serving the nation and its people. I also bow in reverence to the founder of the Sangh, our guiding ideal, Param Pujya Dr. Hedgewar Ji. To mark this glorious journey of a hundred years, the Government of India has released a special postage stamp and commemorative coin.

Human civilizations thrived on the banks of great rivers. Similarly, countless lives have flourished due to the impact of the Sangh. A river enriches each part of the land that it touches with its waters. Likewise, the Sangh has nourished every part of our nation, every sphere of our society. A river often multiplies into many streams and expands its impact. Something similar has happened in the Sangh’s journey. Through its various affiliated organisations, the Sangh works in every domain of life, such as education, agriculture, social welfare, tribal welfare, women’s empowerment and more. Though diverse in their fields of work, they all embody one spirit and one resolve: ‘Nation First’.

From its very inception, the Sangh has devoted itself to nation-building. To achieve this, it chose the path of character-building. Vyakti nirmaan se rashtra nirmaan, nation-building through character-building – this has been the Sangh’s path. For this, it created the unique, simple and enduring mechanism of the daily shakha. The shakha is an inspiring place where every swayamsevak begins his journey from ‘Me to We’ and goes through a process of personal transformation.

The foundation of the Sangh’s hundred-year journey has been laid by a great national mission, a path of personal transformation and the practical method of the shakha. Through these, the Sangh has shaped lakhs of swayamsevaks who continue to propel India forward in every sphere of life.

Right from the moment of its founding, the Sangh has considered the nation’s priority as its own priority. Param Pujya Dr. Hedgewar Ji and many swayamsevaks participated actively in the freedom struggle. Dr. Hedgewar Ji himself was imprisoned several times. The Sangh also provided support and protection to many freedom fighters. After Independence, the Sangh continued working for the nation.

Along this journey, there were conspiracies and attempts to crush the Sangh. Its second Sarsanghchalak, Param Pujya Guruji, was falsely implicated in a case and even imprisoned. But the Sangh never allowed bitterness to take root, because swayamsevaks believe, “We are not separate from society. Society is formed of us.” This feeling of oneness with society and unshakable faith in the Constitution and constitutional institutions gave the swayamsevaks steadiness of mind and kept them sensitive towards society, even in the gravest crises.

The Sangh has always been synonymous with patriotism and service. When Partition left lakhs of families homeless, swayamsevaks came forward to serve refugees. In every disaster, despite limited resources, swayamsevaks are among the first responders and work at the frontlines. For them, this is not just relief work, but the work of strengthening the nation’s very soul. Bearing hardships personally while easing the pain of others is the motto of every swayamsevak.

In its journey of a century, the Sangh has awakened self-awareness and self-confidence among various sections of society. It has worked even in the most remote, inaccessible parts of the country. For decades, it has dedicated itself to preserving and nurturing the traditions, customs, and values of tribal communities. Today, institutions such as Sewa Bharati, Vidya Bharati, Ekal Vidyalayas and the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram have become strong pillars of empowerment for tribal communities.

For centuries, social ills such as caste discrimination and untouchability have been challenges for Hindu society. From the time of Dr. Hedgewar Ji until today, every member of the Sangh, every Sarsanghchalak, has fought against such discrimination. Param Pujya Guruji constantly carried forward the spirit of ‘Na Hindu Patito Bhavet’, meaning ‘no Hindu can ever be fallen’. Pujya Balasaheb Deoras Ji declared: “If untouchability is not wrong, nothing else is wrong in the world.” Later, Pujya Rajju Bhaiya Ji and Pujya Sudarshan Ji, too, carried this message forward. In the current times, the present Sarsanghchalak, respected Mohan Bhagwat Ji, has given a clear call for unity, calling for one well, one temple, one cremation ground for everyone.

When the Sangh was formed a century ago, the needs and struggles of the time were different from those of today. Today, as India advances towards becoming a developed nation, there are newer challenges. Dependence on foreign countries, conspiracies to divide our unity, demographic changes through infiltration and more. Our government is actively countering these. I am glad that the RSS too has prepared a concrete roadmap to face them.

The ‘Panch Parivartan’ of the Sangh gives every swayamsevak the path to overcome today’s challenges.

  • Sva-Bodh: Self-awareness helps us free ourselves from the colonial mindset, taking pride in our heritage and advancing the principle of Swadeshi.
  • Samajik Samrasta: Social harmony is brought about by ensuring social justice by prioritising the marginalised. Today, our social harmony faces a grave challenge from demographic imbalances caused by infiltration. To address this, the nation has announced a High-Powered Demography Mission.
  • Kutumb Prabodhan: Family values strengthen the institution of family which is the foundation of our culture.
  • Nagrik Shishtachar: Civic sense and a sense of responsibility need to be awakened in every citizen.
  • Paryavaran: Safeguarding the environment is of paramount importance to secure the future of coming generations.

 

Guided by these resolutions, the Sangh now begins its journey into its next century. In the mission of building a developed India by 2047, the contribution of the Sangh will be crucial. Once again, my best wishes to every swayamsevak.

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Today, 11th April, is a deeply special day for all of us. It is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, one of India’s greatest social reformers and a guiding light for generations. This year, the occasion carries even greater significance, as it marks the beginning of his 200th birth anniversary celebrations.

Mahatma Phule was a great reformer. In addition to that, his was a life of moral courage, restless enquiry and unshakable commitment to social good. Mahatma Phule is remembered for the institutions he built and the movements he led. At the same time, his contribution to our civilisational journey lies in the hope he aroused, the confidence he instilled and the strength his thoughts continue to give to millions of people across the nation.

Born in the great state of Maharashtra in 1827, Mahatma Phule emerged from modest beginnings. But his initial hardships never stood in the way of his learning, his courage or his commitment to society. This is a trait that remained with him forever: whatever the challenges may be, one must work hard, acquire knowledge and mitigate those challenges instead of doing nothing about it. From his school days, young Jyotirao was deeply curious and became a voracious reader, often reading books far beyond what children his age were expected to engage with. Years later, he said, “The more questions we generate, the more knowledge emerges from them.” Clearly, the spirit of enquiry he was blessed with since his childhood remained constant in his journey.

Throughout his life, learning and education became central to Mahatma Phule’s mission. He recognised with rare clarity that knowledge is not a privilege to be guarded, but a force to be shared. At a time when the joys of learning were denied to many, he opened pioneering schools for girls and for those kept out of formal education. He used to say, “Any improvement that comes in children through mothers is deeply valuable. Therefore, if schools are to be opened, they should first be opened for girls.” He worked to create a new social imagination in which the classroom became an instrument of justice and equality..

His vision for education inspires us greatly. Over the last decade, we have worked to make research and innovation a cornerstone for the youth of India. Efforts are being made to create an ecosystem where young minds are encouraged to question, explore and innovate. By investing in knowledge, skills and opportunity, India is empowering its youth to become problem-solvers and drivers of national progress.

Due to his knowledge and wisdom, Mahatma Phule developed a strong understanding of areas such as agriculture, healthcare and rural development. He often said that injustice towards our farmers and workers weakens our society. He saw how social inequalities manifested themselves in daily life, be it in the farms or in villages. Hence, he immersed himself in ensuring dignity for the poor, the downtrodden and the marginalised. At the same time, he made every possible effort to ensure social harmony was maintained.

Mahatma Phule opined, “जोपर्यंत समाजातील सर्वांना समान अधिकार मिळत नाहीत, तोपर्यंत खरे स्वातंत्र्य मिळत नाही” (True freedom cannot be achieved until everyone in society is granted equal rights). And for that, he built institutions that translated this vision into action, contributing to a just society. The Satyashodhak Samaj, founded by him, was one of the most important social reform movements in modern India. It was at the forefront of social reform, community service and furthering human dignity. It became an effective voice for women, youngsters and those living in villages. This movement reflected Mahatma Phule’s intrinsic belief that society could be strengthened by placing at its core justice, respect for every person and a spirit of collective progress.

His personal life, too, carried lessons in courage. Always working and being among the people took a toll on his health. But even the most serious health challenges did not dim his resolve. After suffering a debilitating stroke, he continued to work and fulfil his vision. Yes, his body had been tested, but his commitment to society had not yielded. For millions today, especially those who draw courage from struggle, this remains one of the most powerful dimensions of his life.

No remembrance of Mahatma Phule can be complete without a respectful mention of Savitribai Phule, who was herself one of the tallest reformers of our nation. As one of India’s pioneering women teachers, she played a defining role in advancing education for girls, thus giving them the opportunity to pursue their dreams. After Mahatma Phule’s passing, Savitribai carried forward that torch and, in 1897, during a plague outbreak, she served victims with such devotion that she herself contracted the disease and lost her own life.

Our land has been blessed, time and again, by great men and women who have strengthened society through thought, sacrifice and action. They did not wait for change to arrive from somewhere else. They became its source. For hundreds of years in our land, the clarion call for social betterment has often risen from within society itself, from those who could see suffering clearly and refused to accept it as fate. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was one such voice.

I fondly recall my visit to Pune in 2022, when I had offered tributes to Mahatma Phule at his grand statue in the city. As we mark the beginning of his bicentenary year, the most fitting tribute to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule is about renewal. Renewal of our commitment to subjects close to his heart, such as education. Renewal of our sensitivity to injustice. Renewal of our faith that society can improve itself from within. His life tells us that the power of community can achieve miracles in India when joined with moral clarity and public purpose. That is why he still gives strength to millions. That is why his words and work still carry hope. And that is why, nearly two hundred years after his birth, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule remains not a figure of the past, but a guide for India’s future.