Tag: RSS

National

PM Modi Unveils ₹100 Coin and Stamp Honouring RSS Centenary; Bharat Mata Features on Currency for First Time

Tanisha Cardozo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the historic centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by unveiling a special ₹100 coin and a commemorative postal stamp in New Delhi. In a moment that blends symbolism with national sentiment, the coin features Bharat Mata seated on a lion in varad mudra, with swayamsevaks bowing before her — the first time Bharat Mata has been depicted on Indian currency since independence.

Speaking at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, PM Modi praised the RSS for its 100-year journey of selfless national service, discipline, and dedication. The commemorative stamp captures a significant historical moment — RSS swayamsevaks participating in the 1963 Republic Day Parade, showcasing their commitment to India’s unity and strength.

Addressing the audience, the Prime Minister spoke with urgency and conviction about emerging demographic challenges to India’s social harmony and security. He stated that infiltrators causing demographic shifts pose a significant threat to India’s internal cohesion. Recalling his recent address from the Red Fort, he reiterated the launch of the “Demographic Mission” to counteract this growing concern.

He emphasized, “Unity in diversity has always been India’s soul. If this strength is broken, India will weaken.” Stressing that the RSS’s foundation on Vijayadashami was no coincidence, PM Modi tied the organization’s origin to the festival’s deep-rooted symbolism — the triumph of good over evil, truth over falsehood, and light over darkness.

The Prime Minister also paid homage to RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, calling him a visionary of national service whose ideals continue to guide generations. “It is the fortune of our generation that we witness the centenary year of the Sangh,” he said, congratulating millions of swayamsevaks for their commitment and sacrifices.

Founded in 1925 in Nagpur, the RSS was created as a volunteer-led organisation with a focus on cultural awareness, service, discipline, and social responsibility. Over the decades, it has grown into one of India’s most influential and widespread socio-cultural organisations.

The unveiling of the coin and stamp not only commemorates the legacy of the RSS but also reinforces the government’s emphasis on cultural identity, unity, and national service as central themes in the journey ahead. As India reflects on the past century, the message from the Prime Minister was clear: staying alert, united, and committed to the nation’s core values is the need of the hour.

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Goa Loses Veteran Journalist and Konkani Stalwart Babli Nayak ; Passes Away at 73

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) has expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to senior journalist Babli Nayak, who passed away at the age of 73 after a brief illness on Thursday. Nayak, widely respected in Goa’s media and cultural landscape, was known not only for his journalistic integrity but also for his lifelong dedication to the Konkani language and Goa’s identity.

Nayak began his career with Sunaparant, Goa’s first Konkani daily, from its inception. He rose through the ranks to become its editor and remained with the publication until it ceased operations in 2016. His work at Sunaparant helped shape the discourse on Goan identity and linguistic rights during a transformative era for the state.

Beyond the newsroom, Nayak played a critical role in the 1986 ‘Konkani Projecho Awaz’ movement, which sought recognition for Konkani as the official language of Goa and pushed for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He was also actively involved in the campaign for Goa’s statehood. His activism was not without sacrifice—he was arrested and jailed at Aguada Fort during the Emergency in 1975 for protesting against the suppression of civil liberties, as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Despite his substantial contributions to journalism and society, Nayak never accepted any awards or public felicitations. He chose to serve quietly but with unwavering dedication, earning the admiration and respect of peers across generations.

The GUJ has conveyed its deepest condolences to the family of Babli Nayak and acknowledged his unmatched role in shaping the media narrative in Goa. His absence will be profoundly felt by all who value fearless journalism and cultural advocacy.