
In the mission of building a developed India by 2047, the contribution of the Sangh will be crucial, said PM Modi, Bharat Mata on Indian currency
On October 1, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a commemorative ₹100 coin and a postage stamp at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary celebrations in New Delhi. This historic unveiling marks the first time Bharat Mata has been depicted on Indian currency.
The coin showcases Bharat Mata on Indian currency in ‘Varada Mudra,’ seated on a lion, with RSS swayamsevaks paying homage before her. The reverse side of the coin features the national emblem and 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.”
The commemorative stamp released alongside the coin highlights RSS swayamsevaks’ participation in the 1963 Republic Day Parade, symbolizing the organization’s contributions to nation-building over the last century.
PM Modi described the unveiling as a moment of immense pride and historical importance, emphasizing the RSS’s enduring role in fostering national unity and character development. He noted that the coin and stamp serve as a tribute to the organization’s century-long commitment to the nation.
However, this move has sparked political debate. Opposition parties have criticized the glorification of the RSS, arguing that the depiction of Bharat Mata and the stamp’s imagery promote a sectarian agenda and misrepresent historical facts. Protests and discussions have arisen in political and cultural forums over whether the commemorative issues should reflect such a specific ideological perspective.
The release of these commemorative items is a milestone in India’s numismatic history. It also opens a broader discussion on national identity, cultural symbolism, and the narratives that shape public memory.
Conclusion
The unveiling of the ₹100 coin and commemorative stamp at the RSS centenary not only marks a milestone in India’s numismatic history but also ignites a powerful cultural and political conversation. By depicting Bharat Mata on Indian currency for the very first time, the event symbolises pride, heritage, and the organisation’s century-long influence in nation-building.
While celebrated by many as a tribute to service and sacrifice, it has also stirred debate over ideological representation in national symbols. Ultimately, this historic moment reflects how art, currency, and politics intersect to shape the collective identity and memory of a nation striving toward 2047.
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