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.”
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Kharge calls NDA ‘opportunist alliance thriving on corruption’ at rally
Puducherry (PTI): Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said the NDA "is an opportunist alliance that thrives on corruption and the looting of public assets".
Addressing a rally of the INDIA bloc in Puducherry, the Congress president said Prime Minister Narendra Modi "had done nothing" for the union territory’s development.
He urged voters to back the INDIA bloc in the April 9 Assembly polls, calling it "an opportunity for the people to fight against divisive forces led by the BJP and RSS, which are destroying unity, harmony, and the progressive spirit of Puducherry."
Kharge also criticised the BJP for neglecting smaller states like Puducherry and made a strong case for granting it statehood, promising, "Congress will secure statehood—this is a guarantee we give to the people here".
He alleged that under the current AINRC-BJP coalition, Puducherry is "riddled with corruption and a 30 per cent commission system," with the NDA government exploiting the union territory, despite it being "one of the country’s most beautiful places".
He expressed concern over "misuse of funds and stalled development", alleging corruption had "seeped into every sector".
Kharge claimed that despite Prime Minister Modi’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, "everything in practice is being handed to one person, Adani—from land to skies."
He added that the NDA was "exploiting land, temple lands, and public property."
The Congress leader also criticised the AINRC-BJP rule for granting permits for around 450 liquor shops and restaurants over the last five years, claiming, "Instead of providing clean water, the government has been giving liquor to the people."
Kharge compared the current situation with the previous Congress rule, highlighting development across sectors, particularly healthcare. "Hospitals were established here to take care of the health of the people," he said.
Among his promises, Kharge pledged "gold for mangala sutra" for women if Congress is elected, along with free education from primary school to research level.
He reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promises to Puducherry had not materialised and renewed his call for full statehood, citing the lack of powers as a "hindrance" to the elected government.
He recalled that during the previous Congress rule, then Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, who was also present, faced interference from then Lt Governor Kiran Bedi.
Kharge said Congress has always stood with the people and would continue to improve their lives through developmental programmes, as it had during earlier administrations.
The meeting was presided over by Puducherry PCC president V Vaithilingam, and among the speakers was S P Sivakumar of the DMK.
