The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has entered its centenary year, marking a hundred years since its foundation in Nagpur in 1925 by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. As part of this significant milestone, Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the RSS, began a three-nation visit to the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom on 25 August 2026. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of local associations and community organisations, represents an important moment in the RSS\u2019s engagement with the Indian diaspora and wider societies abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The central theme of the visit is not political, but civilisational. It seeks to deepen people-to-people connections between Bharat and Indian-origin communities, communicate the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam<\/em>, the idea that the world is one family and share the lessons of a century of service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The centenary provides an opportunity to look at the RSS\u2019s evolution and its emphasis on voluntary service. Founded around the daily shakha<\/em>, the organisation developed a model based on volunteerism, discipline, social interaction and community participation. Today, the RSS conducts thousands of daily shakhas and service initiatives across India. A wider ecosystem of autonomous organisations works in areas including education, healthcare, social welfare, farming, labour, science, sports and tribal development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the prominent themes highlighted in the centenary narrative is seva<\/em>, or selfless service. It largely points to the organisation\u2019s involvement in relief and humanitarian activities during Partition, natural disasters, wars and the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic in 2020, volunteers are reported to have served across thousands of locations, distributing ration kits, meals and essential supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n