The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) completed 100 years of its founding on Saturday, September 27, according to the English calendar. However, the centenary celebrations will officially begin on October 2, Vijayadashami, in line with the local Vikram Samvat calendar.
The RSS was founded in Nagpur on September 27, 1925—coinciding with Vijayadashami that year—and the Sangh continues to observe its foundation day based on the traditional calendar rather than the English one.
Nationwide Campaign Planned
What began with just two dozen volunteers has now grown into the world’s largest volunteer organization. To mark its centenary, the RSS will launch an ambitious year-long public outreach program aimed at reaching all of India’s 635,000 villages. The resolution passed at the Representative Assembly will be shared with all volunteers, who will hold community-level meetings to explain the Sangh’s vision.
From Vijayadashami onwards, Sangh branches across the country will see maximum participation of volunteers in full uniform. Ward and circle-level conferences, block-level social harmony meetings, and youth awakening programs will be organized. Prominent socially active personalities will also be invited to large public gatherings.
Kovind to Grace Main Event
The central event will take place in Nagpur on Vijayadashami (October 2), with former President Ram Nath Kovind as the chief guest. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will also deliver an address. In a first, three path sanchalans (volunteer parades) will be held in the city to mark the occasion.
Centenary Themes
The Sangh has outlined five major themes for its centenary programs:
- Self-awareness
- Environmental protection
- Social harmony
- Family enlightenment
- Civic duties
With these initiatives, the RSS aims to spread its vision of social unity and national service across the country.