NEW DELHI: RSS normal secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Wednesday celebrated the govt.’s determination to launch a commemorative postage stamp and coin as a “societal recognition” of the Sangh’s century-long contribution, whereas defence minister Rajnath Singh marked the event by highlighting the function of swayamsevaks in communal concord and nation constructing.Talking on the Sangh’s centenary celebrations, the place PM Narendra Modi was the chief visitor, Hosabale stated, “The discharge of the stamp and coin was emblematic of RSS’s journey from the fringes to the mainstream. Indifference, opposition, wrestle — these all needed to be overcome. But, whereas strolling the trail of indifference and opposition, at this time the Sangh has reached the stage of acceptance,” he stated, including that RSS is now being recognized with India’s “civilisational philosophy”.The Rs 100 coin celebrating RSS’s contribution to nation constructing carries the nationwide emblem on one facet and on the opposite, a picture of ‘Bharat Mata’ in Varad Mudra, with a lion being saluted by swayamsevaks — an outline the PM famous as the primary occasion of Bharat Mata’s picture showing on Indian forex. The coin additionally bears the Sangh’s motto, “Rashtraya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya, Idam Na Mama.”Positioning the Sangh as a custodian of values rooted in Indian custom, he stated, “RSS has arrived — not merely as an organisation; it has come whereas practising for an concept. It’s the concept of this soil, this land’s civilisation and tradition.” “The Sangh opposes nobody… taking all of society alongside, transferring ahead collectively — that is the Sangh’s music,” he stated.Highlighting RSS’s contributions, Singh stated it performed the function of a saviour through the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, offering shelter, safety and aid to the Sikh group. “Famous creator Khushwant Singh acknowledged this publicly when he stated that RSS performed an honourable function in sustaining Hindu-Sikh unity earlier than and after Indira Gandhi’s assassination,” Singh stated.On RSS being usually unfairly criticised concerning its relationship with Mahatma Gandhi, he stated that whereas it’s true there have been some variations of opinion on sure points — as there have been throughout the Congress fold itself — it will be “deceptive to painting their relationship when it comes to hostility or rivalry”. “Their variations by no means stood in the best way of the mutual regard they shared. This was evident in 1934, when Gandhi ji visited an RSS camp in Wardha. He was struck by the organisation’s self-discipline, full absence of untouchability, and rigorous simplicity,” he stated.