In a notable moment during India's 79th Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from the ramparts of the Red Fort, marking what appears to be the first such reference in his speeches over the past 11 years since assuming office in 2014. PM Modi, who has a long-standing association with the RSS as a former ‘pracharak’, highlighted the organisation's century long commitment to nation building. The prime minister thanked the members of the organisation, for what he termed as their ‘relentless and tireless service to building human lives and the nation”.
Addressing a massive crowd under clear skies, the Prime Minister emphasised the RSS's role in fostering service and discipline. He described it as the globe's premier non-governmental organisation, dedicated entirely to India's progress. “A hundred years ago, a movement was born, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). For a century, this organisation has dedicated itself to the welfare of the nation. Through service, dedication, organisation, and unparalleled discipline, the RSS has played a unique role in nation-building. In a way, the RSS is the biggest NGO of the world. It has a history of 100 years of dedication,” Modi stated in his address.
This praise comes as the RSS commemorates its centenary, founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Modi's remarks underscore the ideological parent body's influence on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of which he is a key leader. Critics, including the Congress party, interpreted the mention as potentially signalling future political shifts, with some speculating on retirement plans or tenure extensions.
The speech, lasting over 100 minutes - the longest in Modi's tenure, also touched on themes like self-reliance, women's empowerment, and economic growth. However, the RSS tribute stood out, drawing both applause from supporters and scrutiny from opposition figures who view the organisation as polarising.
Modi's personal ties to the RSS date back decades, where he rose through its ranks before entering mainstream politics. This public acknowledgment reinforces the symbiotic relationship between the Sangh Parivar and the government, amid ongoing debates on secularism and nationalism in India.
