How does the release of a coin and stamp on the RSS reflect the relationship between state symbols and political ideologies in India?

In India, state symbols such as coins and stamps are not just instruments of currency or postage; they also serve as tools for conveying national values, celebrating heritage, and shaping public memory. The recent release of a coin and stamp to mark the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary has sparked debates about the intersection of state symbols and political ideologies.

• Symbolic Legitimacy: When the government issues coins or stamps featuring certain organizations or personalities, it confers official recognition and legitimacy upon them. In the case of the RSS, a controversial organization with strong ideological leanings, this can be seen as an endorsement of its philosophy.
• State Neutrality and Inclusivity: India is a diverse democracy with multiple faiths, cultures, and political beliefs. State symbols are expected to reflect this diversity and maintain neutrality. Associating them with a specific ideology, especially one seen as divisive by some, can be viewed as undermining the inclusive spirit of the Constitution.
• Political Messaging: The choice of subjects for coins and stamps often reflects the priorities and narratives of the ruling government. By honoring the RSS, the state may be signaling alignment with its ideology, which can be interpreted as an attempt to shape national identity in a particular direction.
• Public Debate and Dissent: Such actions can provoke debate and dissent, as seen in the criticism that the move insults constitutional values. This highlights the ongoing contestation over national symbols and the narratives they promote in a pluralistic society.
• Historical Precedents: In the past, coins and stamps have featured freedom fighters, cultural icons, and social reformers. The inclusion of politically affiliated organizations marks a shift in the use of state symbols for ideological assertion rather than broad consensus.