Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday, calling it a “modern Akshyavat” (indestructible banyan tree) that represents India’s eternal culture. He emphasized that the vision of RSS founders, Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, aligns with his government’s goal of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, an eye hospital dedicated to Golwalkar, Modi said, “Just like we laid the foundation for a strong Bharat in Ayodhya, we will achieve our vision of a developed India with guidance from Hedgewar and Golwalkar.”
With India approaching 100 years of independence in 2047, Modi highlighted RSS’s role in shaping the nation. He recalled that when RSS was founded in 1925, India was fighting for freedom. Now, 100 years later, it stands at another important stage of development.
Quoting Golwalkar, Modi said that a meaningful life is measured by its contributions to society, not its length. He described RSS as a strong organization that has grown over a century into a large banyan tree with millions of volunteers. He called it “a force of national consciousness.”
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Modi also praised RSS’s social service programs, such as Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and Ekal Vidyalaya, which work for tribal education, and Seva Bharati, which supports underprivileged communities. He mentioned how RSS volunteers help in disaster relief, including during floods and earthquakes, and their role in organizing the recent Netra Kumbh.
He credited India’s deep-rooted culture and spirituality for the country’s survival through tough times. He acknowledged the contributions of spiritual leaders like Sant Tukaram, Sant Dnyaneshwar, and Swami Vivekananda in uniting and inspiring society.
“India’s cultural identity has remained strong, and RSS has played a key role in preserving it,” Modi concluded.
