Sangh stands as the embodiment of eternal national spirit: Modi on RSS' 100 years

A day ahead of Vijaya Dashami, the last day of the four-day Durga Puja, Modi said, "Vijayadashami is a timeless proclamation of Indian culture’s faith and conviction. It is no coincidence that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded on this great festival a hundred years ago.

"It was the revival of an ancient tradition that has continued for thousands of years, a tradition where national consciousness awakens to meet the challenges of every era. In today’s times too, the Sangh stands as the embodiment of that eternal national spirit."

The Prime Minister also recalled how the RSS suffered from several plots which were made to stop it from "entering the mainstream".

He said, "We have witnessed how, even after Independence, attempts were made to crush the Sangh. Countless plots were designed to prevent it from entering the mainstream.

"Guruji (Guru MS Golwalkar Ji) himself was falsely implicated in a case and even sent to jail. Yet, when he came out, he said with calm wisdom: “At times, the tongue may get caught under the teeth, but we do not break teeth."

Earlier during the 79th Independence Day this year, the Prime Minister on a rare occasion lauded RSS' contribution to the country.

The Prime Minister lauded RSS on its 100 years of service and called it a "golden chapter".

"A hundred years ago today, an organization was born - the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh! Its service to the nation for 100 years is a proud and golden chapter. With the resolve of nation-building through individual development, for 100 years, dedicated volunteers have devoted their lives to the welfare of Mother India with the goal of her prosperity," Modi said.

"Today, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I remember all the volunteers who have contributed to the service of this nation for 100 years," he added.

Modi's praises and visible bonhomie with RSS in recent times came succeeding the growing tension between the Prime Minister and RSS.

After the Modi government returned to power without a single majority in 2024, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had spoken about the values of humility.

The remark was viewed as a dig at the BJP's leadership after the setback. However, such speculations were not given weightage by RSS leaders internally.

In recent times, Bhagwat's remark that leaders should retire at 75 has been interpreted as a veiled reminder to Modi to step down as per the unverified clause in the BJP's constitution.

Bhagwat had made the remark during a book release event which was dedicated to late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingle.

However, the BJP diffused such tension and said Modi will complete his full term.

In a significant development, the Prime Minister visited the RSS headquarters in Nagpur in March 2025 for the first time since September 2014.