Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled a specially designed Rs 100 silver coin and a commemorative postage stamp to mark the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), highlighting the organisation’s century-long contribution to the nation.
The event, held at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, was attended by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The ceremony showcased the symbolic significance of the coin and stamp, underlining the historical and cultural legacy of the Sangh.
The Rs 100 coin, made of pure silver, features the National Emblem on one side, while the reverse displays Bharat Mata in Varada Mudra, a lion, and a swayamsevak bowing in dedication. The imagery mirrors traditional gestures seen in RSS functions, where cadres pay homage to Bharat Mata, and marks the first time her image has appeared on Indian currency since independence. The coin’s design also includes three swayamsevaks saluting Bharat Mata, while the obverse bears the Lion Capital of the Ashoka Pillar.
Alongside the coin, a special postage stamp commemorating 100 Years of RSS was released. The stamp recalls a historic moment when RSS swayamsevaks participated in the Republic Day Parade of 1963 on Rajpath, now known as Kartavya Path. That participation came at the invitation of then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who had acknowledged the efforts of RSS volunteers during the 1962 India-China war. For the organisation, the event remains a milestone symbolising national service, discipline, and dedication.
Addressing the gathering, Modi highlighted the significance of both the coin and the stamp in preserving the memory of RSS’s contributions to India. “This commemorative coin and postal stamp not only celebrate 100 years of the Sangh but also honour the tradition of dedication and service to the nation,” he said.
The centenary celebrations aim to recognise the RSS’s role in nation-building, social work, and fostering civic values over the past century. The release of the coin and stamp comes at a time when the Sangh continues to emphasise volunteerism, cultural education, and community service, reflecting its long-standing engagement with Indian society.
The event served as a reminder of the Sangh’s historical significance and its contributions to the country’s socio-political landscape, combining ceremonial symbolism with a celebration of national pride.
