PM Modi hails RSS contribution in freedom struggle, releases coin, stamp to mark centenary
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by releasing a special coin and postage stamp, highlighting the organisation’s contributions to India’s freedom movement and national development.
Speaking at the centenary event held in Delhi, PM Modi said the RSS had made significant sacrifices during India’s struggle for independence. “Since its inception, the RSS has been striving to build the nation,” he said, adding that the organisation and its founder, Dr. K.B. Hedgewar, faced imprisonment during British rule.
Modi also noted that this is the first time in Indian history that the image of Bharat Mata has been engraved on a coin. The commemorative coin also bears the RSS motto: "Rashtray Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama", meaning “Everything is dedicated to the nation, everything is the nation’s, nothing is mine.”
The event, held a day before Vijayadashami, was described by Modi as symbolically significant. “The establishment of the RSS on Dussehra 100 years ago was not just a coincidence. It marked the resurrection of a tradition that has continued for thousands of years,” he said.
Referring to historical events, Modi said RSS volunteers faced repression during the 1942 Chimur uprising in Maharashtra and later from the Nizams of Hyderabad after Independence. He also acknowledged their role in the liberation of Goa, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli.
Modi praised the discipline and unity of various RSS-affiliated organisations, stating that they all work under the shared goal of “nation first.” He added that despite facing bans and political opposition,including during the Emergency, the RSS never harboured bitterness and maintained its faith in constitutional institutions.
“Efforts were made to crush the RSS, but the organisation never strayed from its path,” the Prime Minister said. “We are not separate from society; we are part of it.”
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
