Key Points:
- PM Modi praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its century-long service and cultural contributions.
- He laid the foundation stone for Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur.
- Modi visited RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar’s memorial and paid tribute to RSS stalwarts.
- He called RSS a “modern akshay vat vriksh” symbolizing India’s immortal culture.
- The visit coincided with Gudi Padwa celebrations and highlighted India’s strides in healthcare and cultural preservation.
Nagpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling it the “modern akshay vat vriksh” (eternal banyan tree) of India’s immortal culture, during his visit to Nagpur. Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, Modi highlighted RSS’s century-long journey of nation-building and service while emphasizing its role in preserving India’s cultural heritage.
RSS: A Synonym for Service
Addressing a gathering alongside RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, PM Modi praised the organization’s vision and dedication. “Wherever there is service, there is Sangh,” he remarked, crediting RSS volunteers for their selfless contributions to society.
Modi likened RSS to a banyan tree whose roots represent its principles, while its branches symbolize the millions of swayamsevaks (volunteers) working tirelessly across India. “This tree energizes Indian culture and national consciousness,” he said, adding that RSS had become synonymous with service through its internal vision.
Cultural Resilience Amid Challenges
PM Modi reflected on the historical challenges faced by India’s national conscience and cultural identity, citing attempts to erase them through colonization and oppression. He credited movements like the RSS for preserving these values during difficult times. “A nation’s existence depends on its cultural expansion and national conscience,” he said, emphasizing how Yoga and Ayurveda have gained global recognition as symbols of India’s soft power.
Tributes to RSS Founders
Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited the Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur’s Reshimbagh area, where he paid floral tributes to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and second chief MS Golwalkar. Writing in the visitor’s book, he described Hedgewar and Golwalkar as “pillars of inspiration” for millions of swayamsevaks dedicated to national service.
“This sacred place embodies the values of Indian culture, nationalism, and organizational dedication,” Modi wrote. He expressed his admiration for the memorials’ role in inspiring volunteers to serve the nation selflessly.
Foundation Stone for Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre
During his visit, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, a state-of-the-art eye care facility aimed at providing affordable treatment to underprivileged communities. The center will feature 250 beds, 14 outpatient departments (OPDs), modular operation theaters, and research facilities spread across 6.54 acres in Nagpur. Established in memory of former RSS chief Madhavrao Golwalkar, this project underscores the government’s commitment to accessible healthcare for all citizens.
Highlighting initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras, PM Modi reiterated his government’s efforts to provide affordable medical care to millions of Indians. “We have doubled medical colleges, tripled AIIMS facilities, and introduced medical education in regional languages to empower students from marginalized backgrounds,” he said.
Celebrating Gudi Padwa
PM Modi’s visit coincided with Gudi Padwa celebrations marking the Hindu New Year. He extended greetings to citizens celebrating festivals like Ugadi and Navreh across India while reflecting on milestones such as India’s 75th Independence anniversary and upcoming tributes to Dr. BR Ambedkar on his birth anniversary next month.
PM Modi’s visit underscored his admiration for RSS’s contributions to nation-building while emphasizing India’s strides in healthcare and cultural preservation. As he laid the groundwork for future projects like Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, his message resonated with themes of service, resilience, and progress hallmarks of both RSS’s legacy and modern India’s aspirations.
