During his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on the occasion of its centenary, describing it as the “world’s largest NGO” and commending its century-long dedication to nation-building. “We are proud of its journey and the selfless service it has rendered to the nation,” Modi stated.

Founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, the RSS began as a small shakha focused on promoting discipline, unity, and cultural nationalism. Over 100 years, it has evolved into a vast voluntary organisation with lakhs of swayamsevaks across India and abroad. The RSS has been actively involved in social service, education, rural development, disaster relief, and ideological mobilisation.

The organisation has also played a significant role in establishing several affiliated bodies collectively known as the Sangh Parivar, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Modi’s tribute highlighted the RSS’s unique contribution to India’s social and political landscape over the past century.

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