The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), one of India’s oldest and most influential socio-cultural organizations, is preparing to mark its centenary year with grand celebrations across the country. Established in 1925 in Nagpur, the RSS will complete 100 years on October 2, 2025, and has announced a year-long program to commemorate the milestone.

According to reports, the organization has planned over 1.03 lakh gatherings nationwide to highlight its journey, achievements, and contributions to Indian society. The inaugural event is scheduled to be held in Nagpur, Maharashtra—the birthplace of the Sangh—where former President Ram Nath Kovind will be the chief guest. Senior Sangh functionaries and thousands of swayamsevaks (volunteers) are expected to attend the ceremony.

The centenary celebrations aim to showcase the RSS’s role in nation-building, cultural preservation, and social welfare. Over the decades, the organization has expanded its network across India through educational institutions, service programs, and community initiatives. Its affiliates have also played key roles in areas such as rural development, disaster relief, and skill-building activities.

The centenary year will feature seminars, cultural events, youth camps, and exhibitions. These activities are expected to not only reflect on the RSS’s history but also outline its vision for the future, particularly in shaping India’s next generation. Efforts are also being made to connect with the global Indian diaspora, with events planned in several countries where RSS-inspired groups operate.

Political observers note that the centenary comes at a crucial time, as the RSS continues to exert significant influence on India’s socio-political landscape. While its supporters hail it as a guardian of Indian culture and values, critics often question its ideological positions. Nonetheless, the upcoming celebrations promise to be one of the largest nationwide mobilizations in recent history.