VP Radhakrishnan releases Tamilisai's book on RSS century of seva
Synopsis
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan launched Tamilisai Soundararajan's book on the RSS's 100-year record of seva at Uprashtrapati Bhavan — a high-profile endorsement of the organisation's public narrative as it marks its centenary. The event drew senior ministers and underscored the BJP-aligned establishment's effort to cement the RSS's image as a nation-building institution.
Key Takeaways
Radhakrishnan released 'A Century of Service – The RSS in 100 Acts of Seva' on 15 September 2026 at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi .
The book was authored by former Telangana Governor and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry , Tamilisai Soundararajan .
Radhakrishnan said the book documents the RSS's century-long service , social responsibility, and contribution to nation-building.
He recalled the role of RSS volunteers during the Covid-19 pandemic in providing food, medicines, and essential support.
Murugan and Puducherry Home Minister A.
Namassivayam were among the dignitaries present.
Soundararajan described the occasion on X as 'a great day and a truly memorable occasion.'
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, released the book 'A Century of Service – The RSS in 100 Acts of Seva', authored by former Telangana Governor and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Tamilisai Soundararajan. The launch ceremony was held at Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, and was attended by senior officials and political figures.
What the Book Documents
According to an official statement, Vice-President Radhakrishnan said the book chronicles the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) century-long record of service, its social responsibility, and its contribution to nation-building. He described the work as capturing how the spirit of 'seva' — meaning selfless service — has translated into sustained social initiatives reaching workers, women, children, and marginalised communities across India.
The Vice-President invoked the phrase 'Seva is Dharma; it is a duty' as a foundational ideal underpinning the RSS's work. He also recalled the role of RSS volunteers in providing food, medicines, and essential support during the Covid-19 pandemic, citing it as a recent example of the organisation's on-ground response.
Vice-President's Remarks on Documenting History
Radhakrishnan underscored the value of recording acts of service, observing that 'today's news is tomorrow's history'. He argued that good work, left undocumented, risks fading from public memory — positioning the book as both a historical record and a cultural document for future generations.
Referring to the book's theme of 'Nation-building through character-building', he said patriotism, discipline, social responsibility, and national unity are indispensable to India's long-term development.
Dignitaries Present at the Launch
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, L. Murugan; Puducherry Home Minister A. Namassivayam; and author Tamilisai Soundararajan were among those present at the event.
Tamilisai Soundararajan's Response
Soundararajan expressed her gratitude to the Vice-President in a post on social media platform X, calling it 'a great day and a truly memorable occasion.' She described the book as 'a heartfelt tribute to an organisation whose Seva, and commitment to Bharat have inspired countless lives,' adding that writing it was a 'humble expression of gratitude' for the RSS's journey of service, sacrifice, and nation-building over a century.
The book launch comes as the RSS marks its centenary, making it a significant moment for the organisation's public record and archival legacy. How such documentation shapes popular and institutional memory of the RSS over the coming years will bear watching.
Point of View
At its core, a celebration of the RSS — a politically charged organisation whose public image remains contested. The framing of 'seva as dharma' and 'nation-building through character-building' is deliberately non-partisan in tone, but the guest list — a Union minister, a Puducherry cabinet member — signals clear political alignment. As the RSS marks its centenary, such state-adjacent endorsements form part of a broader effort to shift the organisation's narrative from ideological to humanitarian. Whether the book's archival claims withstand independent historical scrutiny is a question mainstream coverage has so far not pressed.
NationPress
15 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the book 'A Century of Service – The RSS in 100 Acts of Seva' about?
The book documents the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) century-long record of service, seva initiatives, and contribution to nation-building across India. It was authored by former Telangana Governor and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Tamilisai Soundararajan.
Who released Tamilisai Soundararajan's book on the RSS?
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan released the book at a ceremony held at Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 15 September 2026. Senior officials including MoS L. Murugan and Puducherry Home Minister A. Namassivayam were also present.
What did Vice-President Radhakrishnan say about the book?
Radhakrishnan said the book captures how the spirit of seva has translated into sustained social service reaching workers, women, children, and marginalised communities. He also stressed the importance of documenting good work, noting that 'today's news is tomorrow's history.'
How did Tamilisai Soundararajan react to the book launch?
Soundararajan posted on social media platform X, calling it 'a great day and a truly memorable occasion.' She described the book as a 'heartfelt tribute' to the RSS and said writing it was a 'humble expression of gratitude' for the organisation's century-long journey.
Why is this book launch significant?
The launch comes as the RSS marks its centenary, making it a key moment in the organisation's efforts to document its public record. The Vice-President's participation gives the event institutional visibility beyond a routine book release.
