RSS Marks Centenary Year With Expanded 'Vyakti Nirman' Drive, 5-Point Social Reform Vision

On the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) centenary, celebrated during its annual Vijayadashami event in Nagpur, chief Mohan Bhagwat reaffirmed the organisation’s unwavering commitment to "vyakti nirman" (character building) as its core mission over the past century. Speaking to thousands of swayamsevaks at the RSS headquarters—where Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar founded the group on Vijayadashami in 1925—Bhagwat emphasised that despite temptations of political power and material greed, the RSS has remained steadfast in fostering disciplined individuals through its shakhas (branches), prioritising nation-building over partisan allurements.

Bhagwat outlined the RSS’s "panch parivartan" initiative, a five-point social transformation programme focusing on social harmony, family values, environmental protection, self-reliance, and adherence to civic and constitutional duties. "During its centenary year, the RSS will expand its work of vyakti nirman across the country and ensure the panch parivartan programme is adopted by all sections through the examples set by swayamsevaks," he declared. He stressed that social change hinges on living examples of integrity and selflessness, with volunteers coordinating with like-minded organisations to amplify impact, reinforcing the RSS’s role as a catalyst for unity in a diverse nation.

India’s historical role as a global moral force was a recurring theme, with Bhagwat invoking the concept of "dharma" as a universal principle transcending rituals or worship. "The world needs to be shown the path of dharma," he said, urging India to present a holistic development model rooted in its ancient ethos of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family). This vision, he argued, positions India as a balancing force in global affairs, countering destruction through gradual reforms. He highlighted the RSS’s century-long experience, noting that its shakhas have nurtured disciplined citizens capable of steering society toward sustainable progress.

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Addressing India’s pluralistic fabric, Bhagwat celebrated the diversity of languages, faiths, and traditions as a national strength, asserting that even communities adopting foreign religions remain integral to India’s identity. He called for mutual respect and harmony, condemning hooliganism and attempts to sow communal discord. "Law enforcement must act without bias," he urged, while encouraging vigilant citizens, particularly the youth, to intervene when necessary to maintain social cohesion. This aligns with the RSS’s broader mission to foster a unified national identity amid rising polarisation.

The RSS, with over six million members and thousands of shakhas nationwide, has grown into a formidable socio-cultural force, influencing affiliates like the Bharatiya Janata Party. Bhagwat’s speech, delivered amid centenary celebrations—including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s release of commemorative stamps and coins—underscored its enduring legacy. The organisation’s focus on character over politics, he noted, has sustained its relevance, resisting allurements that could dilute its mission. Recent initiatives, from disaster relief to rural education, reflect its practical commitment to service, with swayamsevaks embodying selflessness in crises.

As India navigates economic ambitions and social challenges, Bhagwat’s vision positions the RSS as a unifying force for a "strong Bharat". By prioritising inclusive, grassroots reform over ideological rigidity, the organisation seeks to bridge divides in a polarised landscape. The centenary year, marked by nationwide programmes, invites collective participation to realise a disciplined, harmonious nation, echoing Hedgewar’s foundational ideals while adapting to contemporary needs like environmental stewardship and cultural pride.

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