On 21 September 2025, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks a historic milestone—100 years of continuous service to the nation. Founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, the RSS began as a small group of young men dedicated to physical training, discipline, and patriotic values. Today, it has grown into one of the world’s largest voluntary organizations, with millions of members in India and abroad. The centenary celebration is not only a tribute to its journey but also a reflection on its vision of “Seva” (selfless service) and “Rashtra” (nation). To commemorate this moment, a special book titled “Ek Shatabdi Ka Sangh: Seva, Sankalp aur Samarpan” has been published, chronicling the Sangh’s century-long path.
Origins in 1925: Hedgewar’s Vision
The early 20th century was a turbulent period in India. The freedom movement was gaining strength, but it lacked unity, discipline, and an organized cultural identity. Dr. Hedgewar, a physician and freedom fighter from Nagpur, realized that India needed more than political mobilization—it needed a moral and cultural awakening. On Vijayadashami in 1925, he gathered a handful of young men at Nagpur and founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
The organization began with simple daily shakhas (branches), where physical exercise, games, and discussions on nationalism were conducted. Hedgewar’s belief was clear: a strong and disciplined society would naturally give rise to a strong nation.
Growth During Pre-Independence
From 1925 to 1940, under Hedgewar’s leadership, the RSS expanded slowly but steadily. Its focus was not directly political but cultural—building character, discipline, and national pride. Hedgewar himself participated in the freedom struggle, including the Non-Cooperation Movement, but he kept the Sangh away from direct party politics.
By the time of Hedgewar’s death in 1940, the Sangh had nearly 500 shakhas across India. His successor, M. S. Golwalkar (Guruji), further expanded the organization, emphasizing spiritual discipline and cultural unity. During the 1940s, thousands of swayamsevaks also participated in relief work during natural calamities and social unrest.
Post-Independence Challenges and Resilience
Independence in 1947 brought both opportunity and challenge. The Partition left the nation wounded, and RSS volunteers played a major role in refugee camps, food distribution, and protection of displaced families. However, after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948, the RSS was banned, despite no legal evidence linking it directly.
The ban was lifted in 1949 after the RSS adopted a written constitution emphasizing its apolitical, cultural nature. This period was a turning point, as it redefined its structure and expanded into new areas—education, tribal welfare, and service organizations.
Expansion Through Service and Education
From the 1950s onward, the RSS began expanding its network of affiliated organizations, collectively known as the Sangh Parivar.
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Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (1955): One of the largest trade unions in India.
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Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (1949): A student organization shaping young leadership.
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Vishwa Hindu Parishad (1964): Promoting cultural values and Hindu unity worldwide.
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Seva Bharati: Focusing on health, education, and disaster relief.
RSS swayamsevaks have been at the forefront during every national crisis—whether the 1962 Indo-China war, the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, or natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones.
Its emphasis on “Nation first, self last” has helped it gain recognition even among critics.
The Emergency and Beyond
During the Emergency of 1975–77, the RSS faced another ban, but it stood firm in its commitment to democracy. Thousands of swayamsevaks were jailed for resisting authoritarian rule. After the Emergency, the Sangh gained wider acceptance and visibility, with many of its volunteers entering mainstream politics.
The late 20th century also saw the rise of organizations inspired by the RSS, which played key roles in cultural and political debates. Its influence in shaping public life became more visible, but the RSS continued to maintain that its work was fundamentally social and cultural.
A Global Organization
In the 21st century, the RSS is no longer confined to India. With swayamsevaks settled across the globe, the Sangh has branches in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and many Asian countries. It actively engages in promoting cultural education, youth leadership, and service projects worldwide.
Today, it runs thousands of schools, hospitals, tribal upliftment projects, and disaster relief camps. Its strength lies not only in numbers but in the silent, dedicated service of its volunteers.
Centenary Celebration and the Book
The 100th year of the RSS in 2025 is being marked with massive events across India and abroad. Seminars, service campaigns, and cultural exhibitions are being organized to showcase its journey. The centenary publication, “Ek Shatabdi Ka Sangh: Seva, Sankalp aur Samarpan”, documents the stories of unsung volunteers, milestones in the Sangh’s growth, and its vision for the next century.
The book highlights how from a small gathering in Nagpur in 1925, the RSS has become a force with millions of active swayamsevaks and countless service initiatives.
RSS Philosophy and Future
At its core, the RSS stands for three values:
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Discipline (Shist): Building individuals with strong character.
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Service (Seva): Helping society without expecting anything in return.
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Nation First (Rashtra Dharma): Placing the nation above all personal or political interests.
As it enters its second century, the RSS faces new challenges—globalization, technology, social divides, and environmental issues. Yet, its approach remains rooted in community strength, cultural pride, and selfless service.
Conclusion
The story of the RSS is not just about an organization; it is about the power of ordinary people coming together for extraordinary service. From the humble shakha in 1925 to a worldwide network in 2025, the RSS has been a living example of discipline, resilience, and nation-building.
As the centenary celebrations unfold, the Sangh’s guiding principle continues to be: “Ek vyakti se samaj, aur samaj se rashtra” (From the individual to society, and from society to the nation). With the release of the centenary book and a new vision for the future, the RSS stands at 100 not as an institution of the past, but as a force shaping the India of tomorrow.
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