RSS Celebrates 100 Years with Ram Nath Kovind as Chief Guest at Centenary Vijayadashami Utsav

On August 23, 2025, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) made an important announcement that has stirred political and social circles alike. Former President Dr. Ram Nath Kovind, who served as the 14th President of India, will be the chief guest at the RSS’s centenary Vijayadashami Utsav, which is set to take place on October 2, 2025, at the Reshimbagh Ground in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This event will mark a significant milestone for the RSS, a prominent organization that has played a crucial role in shaping India’s socio-cultural landscape over the last century.

This grand celebration, a century in the making, will feature various rituals, ceremonies, and speeches, and it holds extra significance due to its timing. The event will be a reflection of the RSS’s journey, which began in 1925, when it was founded by Dr. K.B. Hedgewar. Today, it stands as one of the largest volunteer organizations in the world, with millions of members and a vast network of social initiatives.

Dr. Kovind’s role as the chief guest carries much symbolism, as it reflects the RSS’s approach to promoting social harmony and inclusion. The invitation to the former president is seen as a strategic move by the RSS to reinforce its commitment to these values, especially in a time when caste-based divisions and inclusivity continue to be major societal concerns.

Why Ram Nath Kovind?

The choice of Dr. Kovind as the chief guest for such a significant event is notable for several reasons. Dr. Kovind, who hails from the Dalit community, made history by becoming the second person from this marginalized group to hold the highest constitutional position in India. His ascent to the presidency symbolizes the potential for upward mobility and social transformation, which resonates with the RSS’s mission to foster a more inclusive society.

The RSS has often been criticized for its perceived “Brahmanical” orientation. However, under the leadership of Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, the organization has consistently worked toward addressing these concerns, especially through campaigns like the Samajik Samrasta (social harmony) initiative. This campaign seeks to dismantle the caste system and promote equality among all social groups, including Dalits, OBCs, and tribals.

The RSS has also made strides in emphasizing social inclusion by ensuring equal access to resources like wells, crematoriums, and temples for all communities. This is part of their ongoing effort to promote unity and eliminate barriers that perpetuate social inequality.

By inviting Dr. Kovind, the RSS is sending a strong message that it stands for social transformation and equality. His presence will undoubtedly add weight to the organization’s efforts to create a more cohesive and egalitarian society, especially among marginalized communities.

A Glimpse into the Centenary Celebration

The Vijayadashami Utsav, held annually by the RSS, is not just a religious event but also a celebration of the values that the organization stands for. This year’s centenary celebration will be a grand affair, with thousands of swayamsevaks (volunteers) participating in various rituals, speeches, and cultural events. One of the key highlights of the celebration will be the Shastra Puja, where weapons are worshipped as a symbol of victory over evil. This ritual will be accompanied by the tradition of offering Apta (Shami) leaves, which are exchanged among swayamsevaks as a gesture of goodwill and prosperity.

The presence of Dr. Kovind at this momentous event will add a unique dimension to the proceedings. The RSS’s centenary Vijayadashami Utsav will not only celebrate the organization’s achievements but also provide an opportunity to reflect on its efforts to promote unity, social harmony, and nationalism.

Nationwide Outreach Initiatives

Along with the centenary celebrations, the RSS has planned a series of initiatives aimed at fostering unity and addressing social issues on a national level. These initiatives will reach across the length and breadth of the country, engaging communities at the grassroots level. Over one lakh ‘Hindu Sammelans’ will be organized in different regions, providing a platform for discussing topics such as social welfare, harmony, and nation-building.

In addition to this, the RSS is focusing on five key transformations, known as the Panch Parivartan (Five Transformations), which form the core of their vision for a better India. These include:

1. Samajik Samarasata (Social Harmony): The promotion of unity and equal rights for all communities, regardless of caste, religion, or social status.
2. Kutumb Prabodhan (Family Enlightenment): Efforts to strengthen family values and build a sense of responsibility and unity within households.
3. Paryavaran (Environmental Awareness): Fostering a sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility to protect and preserve natural resources.
4. Swa (Selfhood and Indigenous Identity): A focus on promoting self-reliance, indigenous culture, and a sense of pride in India’s heritage.
5. Citizen Duties: Encouraging citizens to fulfill their responsibilities toward society, promoting active participation in nation-building.

Ghar-Ghar Sampark Abhiyan: Engaging Communities Nationwide

In a bid to further its outreach, the RSS has launched the ‘Ghar-Ghar Sampark Abhiyan’ (door-to-door outreach campaign). Through this initiative, RSS volunteers will visit homes across the country to discuss issues like social harmony, national unity, and the importance of fulfilling civic duties. This campaign is expected to engage millions of people and encourage them to take an active role in their communities.

A New Chapter for RSS

The invitation extended to Dr. Ram Nath Kovind as the chief guest for the RSS’s centenary Vijayadashami Utsav is not just a ceremonial gesture; it reflects the organization’s evolving focus on inclusivity and social justice. As the RSS celebrates a century of its existence, the event is an opportunity for the organization to reflect on its past and chart the way forward in its mission to build a united and prosperous India.

Dr. Kovind’s presence at this pivotal event adds further credibility to the RSS’s commitment to fostering unity and promoting social transformation. His leadership and personal story serve as an inspiration to millions of Indians, making this centenary celebration a truly historic occasion for both the RSS and the nation at large.