Lauds It’s Role in Preserving Bharat’s Traditions
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Oct 2: On the auspicious occasion of the 100th Foundation Day of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama extended his warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all Swayamsevaks, recognizing the Sangh’s century-long contribution towards nation-building, cultural preservation, and humanitarian service.
In a special message dated September 18, 2025, the Dalai Lama highlighted Bharat’s (India’s) rich legacy as Aryavarta — the birthplace of diverse religions, philosophies, and knowledge traditions that once elevated the nation to the stature of a Vishwaguru (teacher of the world). He noted how external disruptions since the late 10th century weakened Bharat’s spiritual and philosophical heritage but emphasized that tireless efforts of countless luminaries kept the traditions alive from extinction.
Tracing the country’s journey, he said, “From the 19th century onwards, new movements of spiritual, educational, and social renaissance began across Bharat, culminating in the freedom struggle that restored Bharat’s independence in the mid-20th century. With this hard-earned freedom came the challenge of revitalising and safeguarding Bharat’s ancient traditions.”
Within this broader renaissance, he said, the RSS has played a “unique and significant role,” being founded on the principles of selflessness, purity of mind, and sanctity of means. “The hundred-year journey of the RSS is, in itself, a rare and unparalleled example of dedication and service,” he stated. He praised the organization for uniting people while strengthening Bharat materially and spiritually, particularly in remote and challenging regions through educational, social, and disaster-relief work.
Reflecting on his personal observations over the past five decades, the Dalai Lama expressed deep admiration for the Sangh’s institutions and activities. He said he felt it his foremost responsibility as a human being and spiritual leader to support universal values of harmony and mutual respect among all faiths.
He also recalled the RSS’s long-standing assistance to the Tibetan community in India, especially refugees, and its role in advocating for the Tibetan cause. “For this, the entire Tibetan community remains deeply grateful,” the Dalai Lama said.
In his concluding message, he invoked the Tri-Ratnas of Buddhism — Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha — praying for the complete success of RSS programmes and initiatives so that “the entire world may benefit.” He extended his best wishes for the well-being and prosperity of all members of the Sangh Parivar.
The Dalai Lama’s message is being viewed as a significant endorsement of the Sangh’s century-long journey, underscoring the broader recognition of its role in preserving and protecting India’s spiritual, cultural, and social fabric.
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Bellow is the Full Message of the Dalai Lama to RSS on its 100th Foundation Day
“On the auspicious occasion of the 100th Foundation Day of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), I extend my warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all its dedicated Swayamsevaks.
Since ancient times, Aryavarta, our beloved Bharat has been the birthplace of diverse religions, philosophies, and knowledge traditions, which gave it the stature of a Vishwaguru (teacher of the world). However, beginning from the later part of the 10th century, numerous external disruptions led to the decline and erosion of Bharat’s spiritual traditions, philosophies, and knowledge systems. Yet, thanks to the tireless efforts of countless selfless luminaries, these traditions were preserved from complete extinction. From the 19th century onwards, new movements of spiritual, educational, and social renaissance began across Bharat. These efforts ultimately culminated in the freedom struggle, which restored Bharat’s independence in the mid-20th century. With this hard-earned freedom came the profound challenge of revitalising and safeguarding Bharat’s ancient traditions.
Within this broader movement of renaissance, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has held a unique and significant place. The organisation was founded in a spirit of selflessness, guided by a clear and pure sense of duty without expectation of reward. Everyone who joins the Sangh learns to live a life rooted in purity of mind and sanctity of means. The hundred-year journey of the RSS is, in itself, a rare and unparalleled example of dedication and service. The Sangh has consistently worked to unite people, while strengthening Bharat both materially and spiritually. It has worked in the remote and challenging regions of Bharat, contributing to educational and social development, and providing vital support in disaster-affected areas.
Over the past 50 years, I have had the opportunity to observe the Sangh and Sangh inspired institutions closely, and I have been deeply impressed by their activities.
As a human being, I consider it my foremost responsibility to contribute towards the nurturing of universal human values. As a spiritual person, I strive to strengthen the ideals of harmony and mutual respect among all faiths. As a student of Bharat’s ancient knowledge systems, I feel it is my fundamental duty to preserve and protect the Bharatiya Knowledge Traditions. The Sangh has long worked effectively in all these three directions, which fosters my natural sense of respect and appreciation for it.
The RSS has, from the very outset, rendered special services for the welfare of Tibetan refugees living in Bharat and the resolution of the Tibetan issue. For this, the entire Tibetan community remains deeply grateful.
On the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, I pray to the Tri-Ratnas (Three Jewels of Buddhism – Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) for the complete success of every programme and initiative, so that the entire world may benefit. I also offer my best wishes for the well-being and prosperity of all members of the Sangh Parivar.
(Signed)
Dalai Lama
