RSS marks centenary year with over 62,000 Vijayadashami events nationwide

NEW DELHI: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organised more than 62,000 programmes across the country on the occasion of Vijayadashami as part of its Sangh Shatabdi Varsh (centenary year) celebrations, the organisation announced on Saturday.The RSS was founded on September 27, 1925 — coinciding with Vijayadashami that year.“In all, 62,555 Vijayadashami programmes were held nationwide. Of these, 80% took place on Vijayadashami day itself, while others were conducted before or after due to local circumstances,” the RSS said in a statement.Across these events, 32,45,141 "swayamsevaks" (RSS cadres) participated in uniform (ganvesh). Route marches (path sanchalans) were held at 25,000 locations, with 25,45,800 swayamsevaks taking part.

“These programmes reflect the Sangh’s presence across every region of Bharat—from the Andaman Islands to Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland—leaving no area untouched,” the statement added.10,000 new locations addedSince its last annual meeting in October 2024, the RSS has begun work in 10,000 new locations. Currently, 87,398 daily "shakhas" (training gatherings) are conducted at 55,052 places—15,000 more than the previous year.

In addition, 32,362 saptahik milans (weekly meetings) are held, taking the total number of activity centres to 87,414.The organisation noted that its reach has expanded in recent years across tribal regions and among workers, farmers, students, entrepreneurs, and professionals.Upcoming centenary-year initiaitvesRSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale emphasised that “the Sangh’s work is the nation’s work.”In the coming months, Hindu Sammelans will be organized at the basti (locality) and mandal (block) levels to promote the message of Panch Parivartan (five transformations) and encourage social harmony and collective responsibility.The RSS plans to hold about 45,000 rural and 35,000 urban Hindu Sammelans. Samaajik Sadvab Baithaks (social harmony meetings) will take place at block and city levels, while Prabuddha Nagarik Goshthis (intellectual gatherings) will be held at district headquarters.Hosabale clarified that “not everyone needs to join a shakha, but everyone should contribute in their own field toward unity and national progress.”

He stressed that the centenary programs aim not merely to strengthen the organization but to “awaken the inner strength of society.”Key statements released during Jabalpur meeting1. 350th Year of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom (24 November): The RSS paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, on the 350th anniversary of his martyrdom. “Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life is an inspiration for all—his steadfast defense of dharma and culture should be shared with today’s youth,” the statement said.2. 150th Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda: The organization also honored tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, calling for widespread celebrations of his 150th birth anniversary. The RSS described him as a symbol of resistance against colonial rule and religious conversions, and added him to its list of Pratah Smaraniya (revered) personalities.3. 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’: Marking 150 years of the national song, Hosabale described it as "not just a song, but the mantra of Bharat’s soul—it embodies India’s identity and cultural spirit."He highlighted several social and national issues during the meeting. He noted positive developments in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, where some Naxalites have laid down arms, and expressed optimism about the situation in Manipur, saying that “better days will soon come.”He praised Sangh workers for their efforts in restoring mutual trust and social harmony in conflict-affected areas over the past two years.Hosabale also voiced concern about rising drug abuse among youth, warning that while many young Indians are contributing to national development, addiction is pushing others backward.He urged coordinated efforts by government, religious bodies, social workers, and community organizations to combat the problem, with Kutumb Prabodhan (family awakening) initiatives playing a key role.