What's special about ₹100 coin Modi unveiled on RSS centenary
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a special postage stamp and a commemorative coin to mark the centenary celebrations of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Notably, this is the first time that an image of Bharat Mata has been featured on an Indian currency. The ₹100 coin has India's national emblem on one side and an image of Bharat Mata in Varada Mudra on the other. Swayam sevaks are seen bowing before the mata in devotion and dedication.
National pride
Coin features RSS motto
The coin also features the RSS motto "Rashtriya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama," which translates to "Everything is dedicated to the nation, Everything is the nation's, Nothing is mine." PM Modi called it a moment of great pride and historical significance for independent India. At the launch in Delhi, he called it a moment of "great pride and historical significance."
Stamp release
Postal stamp released to commemorate Republic Day parade participation
Along with the coin, a postal stamp was also released to commemorate RSS workers' participation in the 1963 Republic Day Parade. "Underscoring the significance of the commemorative postage stamp released today, noting its deep historical relevance, the Prime Minister recalled the importance of the Republic Day parade on 26th January and highlighted that in 1963, RSS swayamsevaks had participated in the parade with great pride, marching in rhythm to patriotic tunes," the nodal agency of the Indian government, PIB, said.
Organization history
PM Modi was an RSS pracharak
The RSS was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur as a volunteer-based organization to promote cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility. Since then, it has expanded from one shakha (a theological school with volunteers known as swayamsevaks) to over 1,27,367 shakhas dispersed across 51,570 locations in India, according to the Hindu. Notably, PM Modi was an RSS 'pracharak' before joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).