Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra today. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the significance of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, marking the beginning of the sacred Navratri festival. He noted that across the country, festivals such as Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Navreh are being celebrated today. He emphasized the importance of the day as it coincides with the birth anniversaries of Bhagwan Jhulelal and Guru Angad Dev. He also acknowledged the occasion as the birth anniversary of the inspirational Dr. K B Hedgewar and the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) illustrious journey. He expressed his honor in visiting the Smruti Mandir to pay homage to Dr. Hedgewar and Shri Golwalkar Guruji on this momentous day.

Highlighting the celebration of 75 years of the Indian Constitution during this period and the upcoming birth anniversary of its architect, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, next month, Shri Modi remarked on paying homage to Dr. Ambedkar at Deekshabhoomi and seeking his blessings. He extended greetings to the citizens on Navratri and all other festivals being celebrated.

Emphasising the significance of Nagpur as a sacred center of service and acknowledging the expansion of a noble initiative, Shri Modi remarked on the inspiring anthem of Madhav Netralaya, which reflects spirituality, knowledge, pride, and humanity. He highlighted Madhav Netralaya as an institution that has been serving millions for decades, following the ideals of Pujya Guruji, and restoring light to countless lives.

He noted the foundation stone laying of the new campus of Madhav Netralaya and expressed confidence that this expansion will accelerate its service activities, bringing light to thousands of new lives and dispelling darkness from their lives. He appreciated the efforts of everyone associated with Madhav Netralaya and extended his best wishes for their continued service.

Reiterating the emphasis laid on ‘Sabke Prayas’ from the Red Fort and highlighting the significant strides made by the country in the healthcare sector, the Prime Minister noted that Madhav Netralaya is complementing these efforts. “Government’s priority is to ensure better healthcare facilities for all citizens, even the poorest should have access to the best possible treatment”, he emphasised, mentioning that no citizen should be deprived of the dignity of life, and senior citizens who have dedicated their lives to the nation should not live in worry about medical treatment. He highlighted the impact of Ayushman Bharat, which has provided free treatment to millions of people. Shri Modi also noted the thousands of Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country, offering affordable medicines to the poor and middle-class families, saving citizens thousands of crores of rupees. He remarked on the establishment of lakhs of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in villages over the past decade, providing primary health care through telemedicine to people. He emphasized that these facilities have eliminated the need for citizens to travel hundreds of kilometers for medical tests.

Underlining the doubling of medical colleges in the country and the tripling of operational AIIMS institutions, Shri Modi said that the number of medical seats has also doubled to ensure the availability of more skilled doctors to serve the people in the future. He emphasized the Government’s efforts to provide opportunities for students to study medicine in their native languages, enabling them to become doctors. He noted that alongside advancements in modern medical science, the country is also promoting its traditional knowledge. He remarked on the global recognition being achieved by India’s yoga and Ayurveda, which are enhancing the nation’s prestige on the world stage.

Mentioning that the existence of any nation depends on the expansion of its culture and consciousness across generations, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s history of centuries of slavery and invasions, which attempted to dismantle its social structure, yet India’s consciousness remained alive and resilient. “Even during the toughest times, new social movements in India kept this consciousness awakened”, he emphasised, citing the Bhakti movement as an example, where saints like Guru Nanak Dev, Kabir Das, Tulsidas, Surdas, and Maharashtra’s Sant Tukaram, Sant Eknath, Sant Namdev, and Sant Dnyaneshwar infused life into India’s national consciousness with their original ideas. He remarked that these movements broke the chains of discrimination and united society. Underscoring the contributions of Swami Vivekananda, who shook a despairing society, reminded it of its true essence, instilled self-confidence, and ensured that India’s national consciousness remained undimmed, the Prime Minister noted the role of Dr. Hedgewar and Guruji in energizing this consciousness during the final decades of colonial rule. He remarked on the seed of thought sown 100 years ago for the preservation and promotion of national consciousness, which has now grown into a great tree. He highlighted that the principles and ideals give height to this great tree, with lakhs of volunteers as its branches. “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is the modern Akshay Vat of the immortal culture of India, this Akshay Vat is continuously energizing Indian culture and the consciousness of our nation”, he added.

Remarking on the natural connection between vision and direction as the new campus of Madhav Netralaya begins its journey, Shri Modi highlighted the significance of vision in life, quoting the Vedic aspiration, “Pashyema Sharadah Shatam,” which means “May we see for a hundred years.” He emphasized the importance of both external vision and inner vision. Recalling the great saint of Vidarbha, Shri Gulabrao Maharaj, known as “Prajnachakshu”, the Prime Minister said, “despite losing his eyesight at a young age, Shri Gulabrao Maharaj authored numerous books”. He noted that while he lacked physical sight, he possessed profound vision, which stems from wisdom and manifests through discernment. He emphasized that such vision empowers both individuals and society. He remarked that the RSS is a sacred endeavor working towards both external and inner vision. He highlighted Madhav Netralaya as an example of external vision and noted that the inner vision has made the Sangh synonymous with service.

The Prime Minister quoted scriptures, emphasizing that the purpose of life is service and altruism. He remarked that when service becomes ingrained in values, it transforms into a form of devotion, which is the essence of every RSS volunteer’s life. He highlighted that this spirit of service inspires generations of volunteers to dedicate themselves tirelessly. He noted that this devotion keeps volunteers constantly active, never allowing them to tire or stop. Recalling Guruji’s words that the significance of life lies not in its duration but in its utility, Shri Modi emphasized the commitment to duty, guided by the principles of “Dev to Desh” and “Ram to Rashtra.” He remarked on the selfless work of volunteers in various fields, whether in border villages, hilly regions, or forest areas. He highlighted their involvement in initiatives like Vanvasi Kalyan Ashrams, Ekal Vidyalayas for tribal children, cultural awakening missions, and Seva Bharati’s efforts to serve the underprivileged. Lauding the exemplary work of volunteers during the Prayag Mahakumbh, where they assisted millions through the Netra Kumbh initiative, he emphasized that wherever there is a need for service, volunteers are present. He remarked on the disciplined response of volunteers during disasters like floods and earthquakes, highlighting their selflessness and dedication to service. “Seva is a sacrificial fire, and we burn like offerings, merging into the ocean of purpose”, he quoted.

Sharing an inspiring anecdote about Guruji, who was once asked why he referred to the Sangh as all-pervasive, Shri Modi said that Guruji compared the Sangh to light, emphasizing that while light may not perform every task itself, it dispels darkness and shows others the way forward. He remarked that Guruji’s teaching serves as a life mantra, urging everyone to become a source of light, remove obstacles, and pave the way for progress. He highlighted the essence of selflessness with the principles, “Not I, but you,” and “Not mine, but for the nation.”

Emphasising the importance of prioritizing “we” over “I” and placing the nation first in all policies and decisions, the Prime Minister said that such an approach yields visible positive impacts across the country. He highlighted the need to break the chains that have held the nation back, stressing the importance of moving beyond a colonial mindset. He noted that India is now replacing remnants of colonialism, carried for 70 years with inferiority, with new chapters of national pride. He remarked on the replacement of outdated British laws designed to demean Indians with the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. He highlighted the transformation of Rajpath into Kartavya Path, symbolizing duty over colonial legacy. He also noted the removal of colonial symbols from the Navy’s flag, which now proudly features the emblem of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He further acknowledged the renaming of islands in the Andaman region, where Veer Savarkar endured hardships for the nation and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose sounded the bugle of freedom, to honor the heroes of India’s independence.

“India’s guiding principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is reaching every corner of the world and is being reflected in India’s actions”, exclaimed Shri Modi, highlighting India’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing vaccines to the world as a family. He noted India’s prompt response to natural disasters, including the recent earthquake in Myanmar under “Operation Brahma,” as well as assistance during earthquakes in Türkiye and Nepal and the water crisis in the Maldives. He emphasized India’s role in evacuating citizens of other countries during conflicts and noted that India’s progress is amplifying the voice of the Global South. He remarked that this spirit of global brotherhood stems from India’s cultural values. Highlighting India’s youth as the nation’s greatest asset, brimming with confidence and an enhanced capacity for risk-taking, Shri Modi noted their contributions to innovation, startups, and their pride in India’s heritage and culture. He cited the participation of lakhs of young people in the Prayag Mahakumbh as an example of their connection to India’s eternal traditions. He remarked on the youth’s focus on national needs, their role in the success of “Make in India,” and their vocal support for local products. He emphasized their determination to live and work for the nation, excelling from sports fields to space exploration, driven by a spirit of nation-building. He expressed confidence that India’s youth will lead the nation toward the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The PM highlighted the synergy of organization, dedication, and service as the driving force behind this journey. He remarked that the decades of effort and dedication by the RSS are bearing fruit, writing a new chapter in India’s development.

The Prime Minister remarked on the contrasting circumstances during the establishment of the RSS in 1925, a time marked by struggle and the overarching goal of independence. He highlighted the significance of the Sangh’s 100-year journey and noted that the period from 2025 to 2047 presents new, ambitious goals for the nation. He recalled Guruji’s inspiring words from a letter, expressing the desire to be a small stone in the foundation of a grand national edifice. He emphasized the need to keep the commitment to service ignited, maintain relentless effort, and realize the dream of a developed India. He reiterated his vision, as shared during the construction of Shri Ram’s temple in Ayodhya, to lay the foundation for a strong India for the next thousand years. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the guidance of luminaries like Dr. Hedgewar and Guruji will continue to empower the nation. He concluded by affirming the resolve to fulfill the vision of a developed India and honor the sacrifices of generations.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Swami Govind Devgiri Maharaj, Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj, Dr. Avinash Chandra Agnihotri, and other distinguished guests were present during the occasion.