Iqbal Singh Lalpura
On 2nd October 2025, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will complete its birth century. This milestone is an opportunity to congratulate the organisation for its hundred years of disciplined service, social outreach, and nation-building. Beyond celebration, it is also a time for reflection on its strengths, its missionary spirit, and what the Sikh community can learn from its growth and organisational model.
The Sikh political landscape has a complex history. The Shiromani Akali Dal, the frontal organisation of the SGPC, actively joined the Indian National Congress in the struggle for independence and remained its partner until 1959. Yet, in the decades that followed, the same party—entrusted with Sikh leadership—was at the helm during some of the darkest chapters for Sikhs, including Operation Blue Star and the 1984 Sikh massacre in Delhi and other states. These events remind us that authority without foresight and moral vigilance can have devastating consequences.
The Sikh movement to protect and propagate its faith predates these political developments. In 1873, the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Amritsar was founded in response to an attempt by a Christian missionary to convert four Sikh boys. Later, in 1902, the Chief Khalsa Dewan was established to preach Sikh teachings, propagate Sikh religion, create employment opportunities, and peacefully agitate on Sikh issues with the government of the time. Despite these significant initiatives, Sikh institutions have struggled to create comparable impact at the international level. Why, with abundant resources and devoted leadership, do they remain limited in global reach?
It is noteworthy that other religions of Indian origin, such as Jainism and Buddhism, have successfully spread and thrived globally. Buddhist philosophy, for instance, has influenced entire nations and governments in countries such as Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines. Yet Sikhs, whose religion is deeply ethical, inclusive, and service-oriented, continue to search for ways to project their values more widely. Dialogue has always been a cornerstone of Sikhism. Guru Nanak Dev Ji reached every religious person across Asia, spreading the message of universality and mutual respect. Principles such as “Janoh jot na puchho jati” and “Hum sabhna ke sajan” continue to guide us. Above all, Guru Nanak proclaimed, “Eko hai bhai, eko hai”—there is only one God. This teaching reminds us that unity and equality are the foundation of Sikh thought and action.
The RSS has always respected all religions of Indian origin, including Sikhism, Jainism, and Buddhism, and it honours Abrahamic faiths as well. Sikhism is recognised by the RSS as an independent religion, as it is by the Indian Constitution. These facts underscore why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken multiple steps to promote Sikh religion and culture, from supporting religious institutions to commemorating Sikh historical contributions and fostering interfaith harmony.
Sikh institutions today must ask themselves why they have not achieved the desired global impact despite dedicated resources, leadership, and centuries of moral authority. Blaming others for limitations has never been a productive approach. Reflection on past alliances with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reveals important lessons. These alliances were formed with the agenda of promoting Hindu–Sikh amity and safeguarding Sikh interests at state and national levels. Yet, these partnerships were often short-lived, dissolving due to differences in priorities or strategy. Understanding these episodes can help the community craft a more sustainable vision for political and social engagement.
The centenary of the RSS presents an opportunity. Its discipline, organisational skills, and missionary spirit can serve as an example of how commitment and structured action can produce sustained impact. Sikhs, with their ethical teachings, rich history of service, and global diaspora, have the potential to do the same. There is much to learn from the RSS model—not in terms of ideology, but in terms of strategy, mobilisation, and outreach.
Rather than seeing other organisations as obstacles, the Sikh community can focus on dialogue, collaboration, and joint initiatives in areas such as education, social service, and interfaith harmony. Sikhism, with its universal values, can serve as a common agenda to promote communal amity and moral progress across nations. Celebrating RSS’s hundred-year journey need not be viewed as political alignment but as recognition of organisational achievement and commitment to social welfare—a spirit that resonates with Sikh values of service, truth, and humanity.
As we congratulate the RSS on this remarkable milestone, the Sikh community should take this moment to reflect, introspect, and plan a future where Sikh institutions achieve their full potential. By focusing on education, social service, global outreach, and dialogue, Sikhs can ensure that the principles of Guru Nanak and the sacrifices of our Gurus are projected worldwide. Through constructive engagement and learning from the organisational strengths of others, we can strengthen our own faith, promote communal harmony, and contribute to the progress of world religions, with Sikhism serving as a shining example of universal ethics, service, and inclusivity. Above all, remembering Guru Nanak’s teaching that “Eko hai bhai, eko hai” reminds us that all human beings are equal in the eyes of God and that dialogue, understanding, and unity should guide our actions.
(The writer is former Chairman National Commission for Minorities, Government of India – 9780003333)