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PM Modi says witnessing RSS centenary is a privilege, highlighting the organization’s legacy and its impact on Indian society.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses RSS centenary celebrations in New Delhi. (IMAGE: YouTube)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said the organisation has never harboured bitterness despite facing attempts to file false cases or ban it.
“The RSS has never been bitter, despite attempts to make false cases against them, attempts to ban them, and other challenges, because we are part of society where we accept both the good and the bad,” PM Modi said.
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He highlighted the Sangh’s historical contributions, noting, “The Sangh has fought against the atrocities of the British. Their only interest has always been love towards the nation.”
PM Modi added, “There have been many attempts to crush the spirit of the RSS and put allegations against them. False cases have also been filed. Yet, the RSS has never fought with intent of revenge”.
According to RSS mouthpiece The Organiser, following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948, Keshav Baliram Hedgewar — founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and known as “Shri Guruji” to its followers — was arrested at midnight on February 1, and the organisation was banned on February 4. Investigations that followed reportedly found no RSS involvement in the assassination. Hedgewar was released six months later but re-arrested in November 1948 after refusing what was described as government pressure to join the then Congress dispensation led by Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Organiser noted that swayamsevaks launched a nationwide satyagraha in protest, with growing public pressure ultimately leading to the unconditional lifting of the ban on July 12, 1949. Hedgewar was released the following day, and later prosecutions against him, including a 1954 case in Bihar, were dismissed by courts — developments that the RSS cites as having exonerated the organisation.
About the Author
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev…Read More
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev… Read More
October 01, 2025, 11:34 IST
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