PM Modi unveiled a special ₹100 coin and commemorative postage stamp on the centenary of the RSS. The coin features the national emblem on one side and Bharat Mata in Varad Mudra with a lion, saluted by swayamsevaks, on the other.
India witnessed a historic moment when Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a special Rs 100 coin and commemorative postage stamp to mark 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The coin features the national emblem on one side, and on the other side, for the first time in independent India’s history, the image of Bharat Mata in Varad Mudra, seated with a lion, being saluted by swayamsevaks. This is a landmark step in Indian numismatic history, combining cultural symbolism with national pride.
PM Modi highlighted that the coin also bears the RSS guiding motto: ‘Rashtraya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama’. He described this as a proud and sacred moment for the country, linking the event with Vijayadashami and the Sangh’s foundation day.
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The historic unveiling of the Bharat Mata coin
The release ceremony took place at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, during the RSS centenary celebrations. PM Modi, attending as the Chief Guest, unveiled both the Rs 100 commemorative coin and a special postage stamp.
One side of the coin: The national emblem of India.
Other side: Bharat Mata in Varad Mudra (gesture of blessing) seated with a lion, with swayamsevaks offering their salute.
Inscriptions: RSS motto ‘Rashtraya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama’.
This design marks the first time since 1947 that Bharat Mata has appeared on Indian legal tender, making it a moment of great cultural and historical significance.
Significance of Bharat Mata’s image on currency
The idea of Bharat Mata or ‘Mother India’, has been central to India’s cultural, spiritual, and national identity for over a century. Traditionally depicted as a goddess-like figure, Bharat Mata represents national unity, sacrifice and strength.
By featuring Bharat Mata on the Rs 100 coin, the government has:
- Honored a cultural icon that inspires devotion and patriotism
- Linked India’s currency with its civilizational identity
- Celebrated the centenary of RSS, an organization rooted in the principle of ‘Nation First’
PM Modi emphasised that it was no coincidence that this milestone was happening on the sacred day of Navratri and Vijayadashami, when the victory of good over evil is celebrated across India.
The commemorative postage stamp
Along with the coin, the Prime Minister also released a special postage stamp to honor the centenary of the RSS. The stamp depicts RSS swayamsevaks marching in the Republic Day parade of 1963. This recalls the historic moment when swayamsevaks marched alongside India’s armed forces, displaying discipline and patriotism. PM Modi said the stamp reflects the unwavering service of swayamsevaks in nation-building.
This stamp, like the coin, connects India’s past sacrifices with present achievements, symbolizing how the Sangh has contributed to national life for a century.
PM Modi’s address at the centenary celebrations
In his speech, PM Modi praised the RSS’s 100-year journey, calling it a movement rooted in nation-building, cultural pride, and social service. He compared the Sangh to a mighty river that has nourished and enriched millions of lives across India.
Key highlights from his speech:
On timing: “It is no coincidence that the Sangh was founded on Vijayadashami, the day that marks victory of truth over falsehood.”
On RSS legacy: Modi paid tribute to Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, founder of RSS, for building a disciplined, volunteer-based movement.
On swayamsevaks: He praised lakhs of RSS workers who dedicate their lives to education, social welfare, tribal empowerment, women’s upliftment, and disaster relief.
On national service: He described swayamsevaks as people who transform from “me to we,” guided by the spirit of sacrifice and teamwork.