NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nagpur today to pay homage to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founders and participate in the foundation-laying ceremony of the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre. During his address, PM Modi highlighted the RSS’s century-long dedication to nation-building and India’s proactive role in global humanitarian efforts.
At the event in Hingna, PM Modi praised the RSS for its unwavering commitment to societal service since its inception in 1925.
He reflected on the organization’s evolution and its role in shaping a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). “RSS’s dream of a developed India is taking shape. Over the next year, we have significant milestones to achieve, laying the groundwork for the country’s progress over the next 1,000 years,” he stated.
India’s Leadership in Humanitarian Aid
PM Modi emphasized India’s leadership in providing humanitarian assistance, attributing this proactive approach to the values instilled by organizations like the RSS. He cited the recent dispatch of relief to Myanmar following a devastating earthquake, an effort named Operation Brahma, as an example of India’s commitment to aiding nations in distress.
Similar assistance had been extended to Turkey, Nepal, and the Maldives in the past. “Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied vaccines to the world, treating humanity as one family,” PM Modi remarked.
Eradicating Colonial Legacies
The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to erasing remnants of India’s colonial past. He highlighted the replacement of the British-era Indian Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the renaming of Rajpath in Delhi to Kartavya Path.
Additionally, he mentioned the renaming of islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago after nationalist icons like Vinayak Savarkar and Subhas Chandra Bose.
Emphasis on Youth in Nation-Building
PM Modi underscored the pivotal role of youth in nation-building, referring to them as the “beacons of Viksit Bharat.”
He pointed to their contributions in the global startup ecosystem as a testament to India’s growing influence on the world stage. “A new chapter is being written in our country’s history,” he declared.
Tributes and Inaugurations
Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited the Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Reshimbagh, where he paid floral tributes to RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and the second Sarsanghchalak, M.S. Golwalkar.
He expressed that visiting this memorial was a deeply inspiring experience, highlighting the site’s embodiment of Indian cultural values, nationalism, and organizational dedication.
Following this, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, an extension of the existing Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute & Research Centre. This new facility aims to provide advanced ophthalmic care, featuring a 250-bed hospital, 14 outpatient departments, and 14 modular operation theatres.
PM Modi emphasized the government’s policy to ensure the best medical treatment for all citizens, particularly the underprivileged.
This visit underscores PM Modi’s dedication to honoring India’s cultural and organizational heritage while promoting advancements in healthcare infrastructure and reinforcing India’s role as a global leader in humanitarian efforts.
