Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), describing it as the ‘banyan tree’ of India’s immortal culture and modernisation.
Modi made these remarks while laying the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, an extension of the Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute & Research Centre in Nagpur.
“RSS volunteers are working selflessly in various spheres and parts of the country,” he said.
“The Sangh is the ‘banyan tree’ of India’s immortal culture and modernisation,” he added.
Founded in 2014 in memory of late RSS chief Madhavrao Sadashivrao Golwalkar, Madhav Netralaya has been providing specialised ophthalmic care.
The Prime Minister spoke about his government’s commitment to ensuring quality healthcare for the underprivileged.
Modi stated that the "tapasya" of the RSS, along with its "sanghathan" and "samarpan" over the past 100 years, is bearing fruit as the nation moves towards its goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
He remarked that the period from 1925 to 1947 was a time of crisis, with the country engaged in the struggle for independence. Now, as the RSS completes a century, it is stepping into another significant milestone.
“The years from 2025 to 2047 are crucial as we have major objectives ahead. We must lay the foundation for the next 1,000 years of a strong and developed India,” Modi said.
He observed that the risk-taking ability of the youth has grown, leading to innovations in start-ups while fostering pride in India's rich heritage.
Millions of young people attended the Maha Kumbh, held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26 this year. They have contributed to the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and embraced the 'vocal for local' movement, Modi noted.
He stated that the number of operational All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) had tripled under his administration, expanding access to medical treatment.
“Our government is making efforts to provide more and better doctors to people,” he remarked.
Highlighting the impact of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, he noted that crores of people were receiving free medical treatment under the initiative.
Referring to India’s global outreach, Modi asserted, “Our mantra of vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the world is one family) is reaching all corners of the globe.”
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was present at the event.
The Prime Minister also visited Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, where Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism along with his followers in 1956.
Modi reached Deekshabhoomi after paying tributes to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founders at the Dr Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in the city.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, both hailing from Nagpur, were present during the visit.
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