Bangladesh, Pakistan and Türkiye not on list of invitees for RSS centenary event

The decision to exclude these nations from the centenary celebration is unsurprising given the current geopolitical climate.

As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) prepares for its centenary celebrations, some notable absences from the guest list have caught the eye. Media reports indicate that Sangh has not extended invitations to the embassies of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Türkiye.

The RSS will complete 100 years of its establishment on Vijayadashami this year. To mark this milestone, celebrations will begin on August 26 with a lecture series by RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, which will take place in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.

Leading up to the centenary event, RSS is also expected to hold a three-day national dialogue titled ‘100 Years of Sangh Yatra – New Horizons’ will be organised in Delhi from August 26 to 28. The event aims to reflect on the RSS’s journey over the past century and its vision for the future.

India Today citing sources said that RSS is approaching the diplomatic invitations with extreme caution. On the other hand, the event is expected to be grand, inclusive and wide-ranging with participation from intellectuals, politicians, journalists, influencers, entrepreneurs and community leaders

The decision to exclude these nations from the centenary celebration is unsurprising given the current geopolitical climate. Relations with Islamabad and Dhaka remain strained, while Ankara’s recent defence collaborations with Pakistan have further complicated matters, the same publication reported citing sources.

The flagship event will take place from August 26 to 28 at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The final day is expected to be particularly impactful, with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat taking questions from the audience.

Unlike the single-location event held in 2018, the centenary celebrations are being scaled nationwide. After Delhi, major events are planned in Bengaluru (November), Kolkata and Mumbai (February). The aim: to broaden engagement, spark dialogue and reflect on the RSS’s journey.