Narendra Modi launches ₹100 coin marking the centenary of the RSS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently unveiled a commemorative ₹100 coin at an event marking the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The coin features, for the first time on Indian currency, the image of Bharat Mata, along with the national emblem and the RSS motto. This symbolic release has triggered both acclaim and criticism regarding its cultural, political, and historical implications.
A Significant Unveiling
On October 1, 2025, in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a special ₹100 coin to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the RSS. Accompanying the coin was a postage stamp highlighting the RSS’s participation in the 1963 Republic Day parade.
Artistic and Symbolic Design
One side of the coin bears India’s national emblem (the Lion Capital of Ashoka), while the reverse side presents a dignified portrait of Bharat Mata, depicted in Varada Mudra (a gesture of blessing), with a lion by her side and RSS volunteers paying homage. Inscribed on the coin is the RSS motto: “Rashtray Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama” (“Everything is dedicated to the nation; everything is the nation’s; nothing is mine”). The government claims this is the first instance in independent India where Bharat Mata has been placed on official currency.
Political and Cultural Resonance
For supporters, the coin symbolizes a merging of national identity and cultural heritage, elevating the image of Bharat Mata to a unifying icon. The RSS’s role over the past century is emphasized — from organizing social work to asserting ideological presence. Modi himself described the release as “a moment of great pride and historical significance.”
However, critics view the move controversially. Some argue that the depiction of Bharat Mata, closely associated with Hindu imagery, risks blurring the lines between religion and state. Opposition voices have also charged that the RSS did not play a central role in India’s freedom struggle and that this commemoration may serve a political agenda. In some states, local leaders have labeled the issuance of the coin as contrary to secular ethos.
Legacy and Collectibility
Beyond politics, the coin may become a sought-after collector’s item. Its limited issue, unique design, and symbolic import could make it prized among numismatists and patriots alike. The coin also enters the broader tradition of India issuing special coins to honour cultural figures or landmark anniversaries though rarely with such charged symbolism.
