PM Modi releases ₹100 coin, says first-ever Bharat Mata image carved on currency

“This ₹100 coin has the national emblem on one side, and on the other side, there is an image of Bharat Mata, seated on a lion in varad mudra, and swayamsevaks bowing down before her with dedication. This is the first time in the history of independent India that an image of Bharat Mata has been shown on our currency,” the Prime Minister said.

He underlined that the specially designed coin and stamp symbolise the RSS’s contribution to the nation.

The postal stamp, he added, carries an image of the 1963 Republic Day Parade in which RSS volunteers had proudly participated.

The Prime Minister also praised the organisation’s philosophy of “One India, Great India”, asserting that “Unity in diversity has always been the soul of India. If this principle is broken, then India will weaken. Despite challenges, the RSS stands strong and is tirelessly serving the nation.”

Reflecting on past controversies, Modi said the RSS has faced attempts to malign it but has never responded with bitterness.

“The RSS has never been bitter, despite attempts to make false cases against them, attempts to ban them, and other challenges, because we are part of society where we accept both the good and the bad,” he said.

Founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS was set up as a volunteer-based organisation with an aim to instil cultural awareness, discipline, service, and social responsibility.

Modi himself was an RSS pracharak and earned a reputation as an organiser before being deputed to the BJP, which draws its ideological foundation from the Hindutva organisation.