Rajnath Singh Defends RSS, Says Organisation Needs No External Certification Or Recognition

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday described the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a “civilizational force that needs no certification or validation” while addressing the release of the book RSS@100: A Century of Service, Unity & Sacrifice at Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Singh praised the organisation’s century-long journey and said its activities have been driven by the principle of “Nation First, Always First.” The book, authored by Shyam Jaju and Anupam Trivedi, was released in the presence of Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) President Ram Bahadur Rai, RSS Prant Sanghchalak Pawan Jindal and other prominent dignitaries. The event highlighted the organisation’s 100-year journey since its establishment in 1925 and focused on its supporters’ perspective of its contributions to society and nation-building.

Addressing the gathering, Singh said the RSS had played an important role in promoting social unity and national awareness. He stated that every Sarsanghchalak, the organisation’s chief, had opposed discrimination and untouchability. According to Singh, the RSS has consistently worked towards removing social divisions and encouraging a sense of collective responsibility among citizens. The Defence Minister said the organisation’s growth over the decades reflected the dedication of its volunteers and its grassroots presence across the country. He described the RSS as the world’s largest financially self-reliant voluntary organisation and credited its expansion to the commitment of its members and its focus on social service.

Singh also responded to recent remarks by a senior Congress leader questioning why the RSS was not registered as an organisation. He said such questions did not require a detailed response, arguing that the Indian Constitution grants every citizen the right to form organisations. He added that the RSS’s contribution should be assessed through its work and service activities rather than through formal recognition or certification. The Defence Minister further emphasised that the RSS had maintained its identity through decades of voluntary work and social engagement. He said the organisation had continued to function based on its stated values and did not depend on external approval to establish its relevance in public life.

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Founded by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur in 1925, the RSS has become one of India’s most prominent socio-cultural organisations. Over the years, it has built a large network of volunteers involved in various activities, including education, disaster relief, community service and social initiatives. The organisation describes itself as a movement dedicated to cultural awareness, discipline and national unity. However, the RSS has also remained a subject of political debate, with critics questioning its ideology, influence and relationship with organisations linked to electoral politics. Supporters of the organisation argue that it has contributed significantly to social service and strengthening national identity.

The release of RSS@100: A Century of Service, Unity & Sacrifice comes at a time when discussions around the RSS’s historical role and public influence continue across India. The event brought together senior political figures, cultural representatives and members of the organisation, highlighting the significance attached by its supporters to its completion of 100 years. Singh’s remarks at the event reflected the perspective of RSS supporters who view the organisation as a key force in India’s social and cultural landscape. The comments also come amid continuing political discussions over the RSS’s role, its organisational structure and its place in contemporary Indian society.

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