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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UP Cong holds statewide protest seeking probe into FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand
Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh Congress on Wednesday staged a statewide protest demanding a fair and transparent inquiry into the FIR lodged against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and those who filed the complaint against him.
In a statement issued here, the party said memorandums addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were submitted through district magistrates in all districts of the state.
Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Manish Hindvi told PTI that the memorandums were handed over through the district administration in all 75 districts.
In the memorandum, the party alleged that Saraswati and his disciples were "unnecessarily harassed and humiliated" by police on the occasion of Amavasya and were prevented from taking a ritual bath (at the Magh Mela). It further alleged that some disciples were manhandled and taken to a police station.
The memorandum also claimed that an FIR was later registered against Saraswati, his disciple Swami Mukundanand Brahmachari and several unidentified persons in a sexual harassment case. It termed the case a "conspiracy" aimed at tarnishing the seer's reputation.
Citing Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, the memorandum stated that these provisions guarantee religious freedom and the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs.
It described the position of shankaracharya held by Saraswati as "one of the highest spiritual posts in Sanatan tradition" and alleged that the entire episode appeared to have been "orchestrated in a planned manner".
"We request that the background of the persons who got the FIR registered be investigated in a transparent manner by a retired high court judge and strict action be taken against them," the memorandum said.
It also sought a "fair and transparent probe" into the allegations levelled against Saraswati so that the truth could be established.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai had told reporters in Varanasi after meeting Saraswati that the party stood firmly with him.
The Congress said it would continue to press for an impartial inquiry into the entire episode.
On February 21, an FIR was lodged in Prayagraj against Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari on charges of sexually abusing two persons, including a minor, over the past year at a gurukul and religious congregations, including the recently concluded Magh Mela.
Days after he was booked, Saraswati had said on Monday that he would not oppose his arrest and asserted that the "fabricated story" would be exposed sooner or later.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Saraswati alleged that criminals rule in Uttar Pradesh, level allegations and influence investigations, as he denied having any contact with the two persons for whose alleged sexual abuse he has been booked.
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