A timeline of key events that shaped the RSS' journey, including the various highs and lows, as the organization approaches its 100th anniversary.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a special postage stamp and a commemorative coin featuring Bharat Mata to mark the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
A Panchayat Development Officer in Raichur district, Karnataka, has been suspended for allegedly participating in an RSS event. The suspension follows a government decision to prohibit private organizations' activities in government institutions and public places, particularly targeting RSS Shakhas.
The Congress party launched a scathing attack on the RSS on its 100th anniversary, citing excerpts from a book claiming Mahatma Gandhi described the Sangh as a "communal body with a totalitarian outlook." The party also referenced Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's criticism of the RSS.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of collusion between the LDF and BJP in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, accusing the Congress leader and his party of being the BJP's 'B-team'. The Congress has retaliated, alleging that Vijayan is trying to appease Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah.
Youth Congress and DYFI activists in Kerala protest the death of RSS worker Anandu Aji, demanding a thorough investigation and action against those allegedly responsible. The case involves allegations of sexual harassment and a suicide note.
The Congress and Raijor Dal have finalised a seat-sharing agreement for the Assam assembly elections, with Congress leaving 11 constituencies for Raijor Dal and a friendly contest in two others. The alliance aims to defeat the BJP government.
From a modest start with baithaks of a handful of swayamsevaks in a small town in Nagpur, the RSS, which completes 100 years of its foundation on Thursday, has come a long way to become the world's biggest voluntary organisation with a pan-India presence, shaping the country's political and social discourse.
Former Kerala Police chief Jacob Thomas has joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a full-time 'pracharak'. He participated in an RSS event on Mahanavami, emphasizing the organization's aim to create individuals with cultural strength. Thomas previously joined the BJP in 2021.
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) is advocating for the termination of the moratorium on customs duties for electronically transmitted digital products, arguing that it hinders self-reliance, causes revenue losses, and restricts India's ability to tax emerging technologies like AI.
An RSS activist in Thiruvananthapuram allegedly committed suicide, claiming he was denied a BJP ticket for local elections. The incident has sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts from BJP leaders and allegations of corruption.
The high court directed the petitioners to file a fresh petition to the district collectors along with the route of the march.
He said terrorists crossed the border and killed 26 Indians after checking their religion in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, which drew a fitting response from the country, referring to Operation Sindoor.
'But I know why he did it.' 'He was being heckled by BJP members who were mocking the Congress.' 'In that context, he quoted the song to tell them: "We know your anthem, we know your ideology, we know how divisive you are".' 'It was not an endorsement.'
Rashtra Sevika Samiti chief V Shantha Kumari highlights the erosion of traditional values and delays in legal action as key factors contributing to ongoing concerns about women's safety in India.
The Karnataka Cabinet has decided to bring in rules to regulate RSS activities, including marches and events in public places and government premises, requiring prior government permission.
President Droupadi Murmu addressed a national convention, acknowledging the progress of women in various fields while highlighting the persistent social stereotypes, economic inequalities, and psychological barriers they face. She called for collective efforts to address these issues and emphasised the importance of promoting Indian languages and traditional knowledge systems.
Protesters clashed with police in Siliguri, West Bengal, during a demonstration organized by the Janjati Suraksha Manch over the assault of a pregnant tribal woman. The demonstrators were demanding justice for the woman and the arrest of all individuals involved in the incident.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh will mark its centenary year with events beginning from Vijayadashami on October 2, which will include an address by its chief Mohan Bhagwat in the presence of former president Ramnath Kovind who will be the chief guest.
'Was the five-day pause ever meant to hold, or was it simply another instrument of signaling, of positioning, of buying time in a war where even the pauses are tactical?' asks Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.
'It is something like traditional Indian families.' 'The family might be run by younger people, but if the patriarch says that you should consider someone for some task, it is very difficult for the others to ignore it.'
Praising Mohan Bhagwat for his intellectual depth and empathetic leadership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that his tenure as the head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since 2009 will be considered the most transformative period in its 100-year journey.
It now has become clear that he will have to quit his post.
AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's relationship with US President Donald Trump, alleging that Modi is acting as Trump's 'slave' and jeopardising India's interests on trade, oil and foreign policy.
Shivakumar's recital came when the Bharatiya Janata Party legislators accused Shivakumar of being an 'abettor' of the stampede as he created mass frenzy.
'Whatever is necessary for life and is not made in your country, we will import it from outside.'
A former BJP MP in Rajasthan is facing accusations of religious discrimination after allegedly insulting a Muslim woman and taking back a blanket during a distribution event.
'This is just the beginning. You have to wait and watch to see things getting better.'
A Gujarati play about Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, was cancelled in Ahmedabad after protests by Youth Congress and NSUI activists who claimed it glorified Godse. The play had previously faced disruptions in other Gujarat cities.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar offered to apologize if anyone was hurt over his rendition of the RSS' prayer song in the state assembly. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the Congress party.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the importance of social harmony, environmental responsibility, and national unity, urging people to rise above divisions and work collectively for the betterment of society and the nation.
Congress MLA H D Ranganath praised the RSS anthem after Deputy CM D K Shivakumar sang it in the Assembly. Ranganath called the anthem a "very good song" and said it promotes saluting the land where one is born.
The BJP protesters, carrying placards and raising slogans, slammed the Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, calling them "traitors" for allegedly tarnishing the nation's image.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed 100 years of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a "very proud and glorious" journey and saluted all its volunteers for their dedicated service to the nation.
Here are the famous faces who turned up to vote.
''Women are coming into public spaces in larger numbers than ever before. They are educated, capable, opinionated, and determined.' 'But the more women push for access to public space, the harder they are pushed back -- through attacks like this, through discrimination, through the glass ceiling, through the deliberate denial of recognition.'
A postgraduate student from Assam was allegedly assaulted by five peers at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) hostel in Madhya Pradesh. The five accused were expelled and booked. The incident follows the death of a student from Tripura in Dehradun, causing national outrage.
For now, Yumnam Khemchand Singh's leadership will be judged not by promises or symbolism, but by whether his government can prevent further violence and begin the slow, difficult work of rebuilding trust.
The Congress party in Karnataka is demanding action against a District Commissioner for holding a saffron flag during a religious procession. The DC claims she was performing her official duties and denies any political motivation.
The BJP has announced the schedule for the election of the party's national president, with nominations to be filed on January 19 and the announcement of the new chief on January 20.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances