# RSS centenary book features 18 young achievers, seeks to change perceptions

2026-10-20T01:56:42+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has released a centenary book, Hundred Years Young: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, featuring 18 contributors under 40, including entrepreneurs, sportspersons, actors and activists. The Indian Express reports the book, edited by former Oxford Union president Rashmi Samant, carries a message from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and includes accounts from contributors who say personal encounters changed their ‘inherited perception’ of the organisation. Israeli researcher Yeshaya Rosenman, one of the contributors, told The Hans India his experience with the RSS was ‘positive’, and he cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an example of advancement through merit. The outreach campaign comes during the RSS’s centenary year and follows youth-led agitations in India over examination leaks and electoral rolls. The Indian Express notes the book aims to bridge what the Sangh sees as a gap between public perceptions and direct experience. Rosenman, speaking to IANS, urged Western audiences to understand India’s heritage and said the RSS’s work extends beyond ideology into social initiatives.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

A book timed for the RSS centenary, featuring 18 young achievers, draws different coverage. The Indian Express reports the book as an RSS outreach effort, detailing a range of contributors, from an LGBT activist to a Muslim journalist, who recount shifting from suspicion to a positive view of the organisation. The Hans India, quoting one contributor, Israeli researcher Yeshaya Rosenman, leads with his praise for the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, framing the book as a testament to merit and national prestige. The Indian Express, by profiling diverse voices, suggests the book addresses a 'communication challenge', The Hans India, by focusing on a foreigner's endorsement, reinforces the book's stated goal of changing perceptions.

## Coverage

Coverage: 2 sources, 1 pro-government, 1 neutral
- indianexpress.com (neutral report) <https://indianexpress.com/article/india/youth-connect-18-young-achievers-share-their-personal-encounter-with-rss-changed-perceptions-in-centenary-book-10926284/>
  Reports book as outreach effort, profiles multiple diverse voices
- thehansindia.com (pro government) <https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/new-delhi/no-caste-or-status-in-rss-only-opportunity-to-rise-through-hard-work-israeli-researcher-1133614>
  Highlights one Israeli contributor's praise of RSS and PM Modi

This brief was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry.

Tags: Mohan Bhagwat, Narendra Modi, Rashmi Samant, RSS, Saina Nehwal, Vikrant Massey
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