Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra, marking a significant step toward enhancing healthcare facilities in the region. Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of accessible medical care and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that even the most underprivileged citizens receive high-quality healthcare services.
The event coincided with the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the beginning of Navratri, and was marked by celebrations of various regional festivals such as Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Navreh. Modi emphasized the spiritual and cultural significance of the day, acknowledging the birth anniversaries of revered figures such as Bhagwan Jhulelal, Guru Angad Dev, and Dr. K.B. Hedgewar. He also paid homage to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, at Deekshabhoomi.
Madhav Netralaya has been a beacon of hope for thousands of patients seeking eye care. With the expansion of its new campus, the institution aims to extend its reach and provide advanced medical treatment to even more people. Modi expressed confidence that the new facility would bring light into the lives of countless individuals suffering from vision-related ailments. He commended the dedication of the healthcare professionals at Madhav Netralaya and emphasized the institution’s role in complementing the government’s healthcare initiatives, including Ayushman Bharat. The scheme has already facilitated free treatment for millions of Indians and has contributed to making healthcare more affordable through Jan Aushadhi Kendras and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
Highlighting India’s advancements in medical education, Modi noted that the number of medical colleges has doubled, and operational AIIMS institutions have tripled in recent years. He stressed the importance of providing medical education in regional languages to encourage more students to pursue medicine and serve their communities. The Prime Minister also praised India’s growing influence in global healthcare, with Ayurveda and yoga gaining international recognition.
Modi took a moment to reflect on India’s enduring cultural consciousness, which has survived centuries of challenges. He credited India’s resilience to social movements and the contributions of spiritual leaders such as Guru Nanak Dev, Kabir Das, and Sant Tukaram. He acknowledged the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a guardian of India’s cultural heritage and consciousness, likening it to the eternal Akshay Vat tree that continuously nurtures Indian values and service to society.
In his speech, Modi underscored the importance of collective effort in nation-building. He emphasized that progress is only possible when national interests take precedence over personal ambitions. He reiterated that India’s governance model is now driven by a sense of duty rather than colonial-era mindsets. Recent initiatives such as the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, the renaming of Rajpath to Kartavya Path, and the redesign of the Indian Navy’s flag to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj reflect this shift.
Modi also highlighted India’s role as a global leader in humanitarian efforts. From sending vaccines to countries in need during the COVID-19 pandemic to providing relief assistance in disaster-struck areas such as Myanmar, Türkiye, and Nepal, India has emerged as a nation that stands firmly by the global community. He emphasized that India’s guiding principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family—drives these efforts.
Reflecting on India’s future, Modi placed immense faith in the country’s youth, who he believes will play a crucial role in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047. He lauded their contributions to innovation, startups, and technological advancements while also appreciating their growing interest in India’s cultural and traditional heritage. He expressed confidence that their commitment to national development would propel the country toward a brighter future.
As the event concluded, Modi acknowledged the RSS’s century-long journey, noting that its efforts over the years have strengthened the nation’s fabric. With the next phase of India’s development on the horizon, he called upon citizens to remain dedicated to the vision of a strong and self-reliant nation. Modi expressed his unwavering belief that with collective resolve, India would continue its upward trajectory and achieve greatness in the years to come.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Swami Govind Devgiri Maharaj, Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj, and other esteemed guests.
