RSS Inspires Journey from ‘I’ to ‘We’ for Nation Building: PM Modi at Centenary Celebrations

New Delhi, Oct 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a unique organisation dedicated to character development and nation building, describing it as a movement that inspires individuals to transition from “I” to “We.”

Speaking at the centenary celebrations of the RSS at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi, the Prime Minister likened the Sangh to a life-giving river. “Just as human communities flourish on the banks of a river, many lives have thrived with the stream of Sangh. The Sangh has touched every aspect of this country,” he said.

PM Modi underlined that while the RSS has numerous affiliated organisations, they are united by a single vision: ‘Rashtriya Pratham’ (Nation First). “No two sub-organisations contradict or conflict with each other. All move together with the goal of national service,” he added.

From Individual Growth to National Development

The Prime Minister stressed that the RSS took a strong resolve of “nation building” by focusing on the development of individuals. “Hedgewar ji knew that our nation would only become strong when every Indian developed a sense of responsibility towards the country. That is why the Sangh chose the path of individual transformation as the foundation of national transformation,” Modi explained.

He described the RSS as “an organisation of inspiration, from where the journey of a volunteer from ‘I’ to ‘We’ begins.” The Prime Minister highlighted the role of RSS shakhas, calling them “sacred platforms for character development.”

“Within these shakhas, individuals undergo physical, mental, and social growth. A spirit of national service and courage steadily blossoms in the hearts of swayamsevaks. The simple yet disciplined activities of the shakhas have laid the foundation of Sangh, nurturing both character and patriotism,” he said.

Remembering Hedgewar and the Freedom Struggle

Paying homage to Dr. K.B. Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS, Modi recalled his active role in the independence movement. “Dr Hedgewar himself was imprisoned in Nagpur Jail. Many Sangh workers also participated shoulder to shoulder with other freedom fighters during the independence struggle,” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the RSS not only contributed to the fight for freedom but also remained committed to building a strong and self-reliant India in the decades after independence.

Facing Conspiracies with Resilience

Modi acknowledged that the organisation has faced repeated attacks and conspiracies since its inception. “It is not as if the Sangh never faced conspiracies. Even after independence, there were attempts to crush it and stop it from entering the mainstream. Guruji (M.S. Golwalkar) was falsely implicated in a case and even imprisoned. But when he was released, his calm and dignified words became a lasting source of inspiration,” he noted.

He further added, “No matter how many conspiracies were forged, swayamsevaks never allowed bitterness to dominate their path. Their commitment to service and national unity always prevailed.”

A Century of Service

As the RSS celebrates its 100th year, the Prime Minister underscored its unwavering focus on building character, instilling discipline, and fostering national pride. He said that the Sangh’s century-long journey demonstrates how individual transformation can collectively lead to the progress of an entire nation.