‘Bharat Mata’s image on Indian coin for first time’: PM Modi releases special coin, stamp marking 100 years of RSS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses RSS centenary celebrations in New Delhi

While releasing  a special commemorative postage stamp and a coin to mark the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said this is the first time in the history of India that Bharat Mata’s image has been carved onto a coin.

The PM also said the specially designed coin and stamp highlight the contribution of the RSS to the nation, he said.

."... This Rs 100 coin has the national emblem on one side, and on the other side, there is an image of Bharat Mata, seated on a lion in 'varad mudra', and swayamsevaks bowing down before her with dedication. This is the first time in the history of independent India that an image of Bharat Mata has been shown on our currency…,” said PM Modi.

The PM also recollected that in 1963 RSS also proudly participated in the Republic Day Parade. “This postal stamp has an image of that historic moment,” he said.

PM Modi also asserted that the RSS believes in 'One India, Great India' yet post-Independence attempts were made to prevent it from joining the national mainstream "Unity in diversity has always been the soul of India, if this principle is broken then India will weaken. Despite challenges, the RSS stands strong and is tirelessly serving the nation," he said.

He also 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.

Founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS was established as a volunteer-based organisation with an aim to foster cultural awareness, discipline, service and social responsibility among citizens.
PM Modi was himself an RSS 'pracharak' and made a mark as an able organiser before being shifted to the BJP, which draws its ideological inspiration from the Hindutva organisation.