RSS – Vice President Highlights Service and Nation-First Vision at Book Launch Event
RSS –Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach to governance has consistently reflected the ideals of public service and the principle of “Nation First,” describing these values as being closely aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s long-standing emphasis on selfless contribution and national development.
The remarks were made during the launch of the book RSS @100: A Century of Service, Unity & Sacrifice, written by Shyam Jaju and Anupam Trivedi. The event took place at the Vice-President’s official residence, where several political leaders, authors and dignitaries gathered to mark the publication commemorating the organisation’s centenary.
Book Explores Prime Minister Modi’s Public Journey
Speaking about one of the chapters in the book, titled A Swayamsevak as PM: The Modi Era, Radhakrishnan said it presents the evolution of Narendra Modi from his early years as an RSS volunteer to his role as the country’s Prime Minister, described as “Pradhan Sevak.” According to the Vice-President, the chapter illustrates how the ideals of service have remained a consistent part of Modi’s public life and leadership.
Personal Reflections on Public Service
Radhakrishnan also shared memories of a conversation with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, recalling that both of them entered public life through grassroots activism inspired by Jayaprakash Narayan’s Total Revolution movement. He said those early experiences shaped their understanding of public service and national responsibility.
Drawing a comparison with the Ganga river, the Vice-President said the RSS had expanded from modest beginnings into one of the largest voluntary organisations in the world. He noted that the comparison symbolises continuous service and an enduring commitment to society.
Centenary Marks a Significant Milestone
Addressing the audience, Radhakrishnan described it as a privilege to release a publication celebrating 100 years of the RSS, an organisation with which he said he has maintained a long association. Referring to a Tamil poem mentioned during the event, he explained that the organisation has been likened to the Ganga because of its spirit of selfless dedication and service to the nation.
He said the publication highlights the RSS’s contribution to preserving India’s cultural heritage, traditions and civilisational values. According to him, the themes reflected in the book’s title—service, unity and sacrifice—have guided generations of volunteers and continue to inspire those associated with the organisation.
Focus on Character and Leadership Development
The Vice-President said the RSS has placed significant importance on building character and developing leadership qualities through its daily shakhas. Referring to a passage from the book, he quoted the description of a shakha as “a workshop of the soul where the raw energy of youth is chiselled into national character,” saying the phrase captures the organisation’s emphasis on personal discipline and social responsibility.
He further stated that the RSS has worked to strengthen cultural continuity by encouraging appreciation for India’s traditions, languages, heritage and spiritual thought. In his view, the centenary offers an opportunity to recognise the dedication and voluntary efforts of lakhs of workers who have contributed to various social and community initiatives over the decades.
Senior Leaders Attend the Launch
The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts President Ram Bahadur Rai, RSS Kshetra Sanghchalak Pawan Jindal, the book’s authors Shyam Jaju and Anupam Trivedi, and Prabhat Prakashan Managing Director Prabhat Kumar. Their presence reflected the significance attached to the release of the publication marking the RSS’s 100-year journey.