PM Modi launches Special Stamp and Coin on centenary celebrations of RSS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday released a special postage stamp and a commemorative coin, marking the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This is the first-ever depiction of Bharat Mata on Indian currency.

The Rs 100 coin features the national emblem on one side, while the other side depicts a majestic image of Bharat Mata in Varada Mudra, a gesture of offering with the palm outward, accompanied by a lion. Swayam sevaks are shown bowing before her in devotion and dedication.

The coin also bears the RSS motto “Rashtriya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama,” which translates to “Everything is dedicated to the nation, Everything is the nation’s, Nothing is mine.”

“For the first time in the history of independent India, the image of Bharat Mata has been featured on Indian currency, which marks a moment of great pride and historical significance,” PM Modi said at the launch.

The metal composition of the RSS 100 Years coin will consist of Pure Silver (99.9%). The coin will weigh 40 grams and have a diameter of 44 mm, featuring 200 serrations along the edge. The coin’s description is as follows.

Obverse: The face of the coin shall bear the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar in the center with the legend “सत्यमेव जयते” inscribed below, flanked on the left periphery with the word “भारत” in Devanagari script and on the right periphery with the word “INDIA” in English. It also has the Rupee symbol “₹” and denominational value “100” in the international numerals below the Lion Capitol.

Reverse: This face of the coin shall bear the image of Bharat Mata along with three Swayamsevak saluting the goddess. The year “1925” in international numerals shall be inscribed on the left side of the image and the year “2025” in international numerals shall be inscribed on the right side of the image. The inscription “राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ के 100 वर्ष” is written in Devanagari script on the upper periphery of the coin and the inscription “100 Years of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh” shall be written in English on the lower periphery of the coin. The inscription “राष्ट्राय स्वाहा, इदं राष्ट्राय इदं न मम” is written in Sanskrit, in Devanagari script below the image of Bharat Mata and three Swayamsevak.

The postal stamp released alongside the coin highlights RSS workers’ participation in the 1963 Republic Day Parade, underlining the organisation’s historic contributions. PM Modi described the moment as a proud tribute to Bharat Mata and the RSS’s century-long journey of service and dedication.

The centenary celebrations were organised by the Ministry of Culture and attended by RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

RSS was founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, as a volunteer-based organisation with the aim of fostering cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility among citizens.

PM Modi himself was an RSS ‘pracharak’ and made a mark as an organiser before being shifted to the BJP, which draws its ideological inspiration from the Hindutva organisation.