Nagpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Nagpur, hailed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the modern ‘Akshay Vat Vriksh’ (an eternal banyan tree) that symbolises India’s immortal culture. He praised the organisation’s selfless service in various spheres and its role in nation-building, social service, and cultural preservation.
#WATCH | “…The ideas that were seeded a hundred years back are before the world like a ‘vat vriksh’ today. Principles and ideologies give it heights and the lakhs and crores of swayamsevak are the branches of it. It is not a simple ‘vat vriksh’, but RSS is the modern ‘akshay… pic.twitter.com/Qf7XRKadPj
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) March 30, 2025
During his visit, PM Modi paid tribute at Dr Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur, where memorials dedicated to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and its second Sarsanghchalak M.S. Golwalkar are located. The Prime Minister acknowledged the centenary year of RSS, recognizing its contributions to the nation over the last 100 years.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, he remarked, “The ideas that were seeded a hundred years back are now before the world like a ‘Vat Vriksh’. Principles and ideologies give it heights, and the lakhs and crores of swayamsevaks are its branches. RSS is not just any banyan tree; it is the modern ‘Akshay Vat Vriksh’ of India’s immortal culture.”
#WATCH | “Jahan seva kaarya, wahan Swayamsevaks”
PM Narendra Modi at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, says, “Hum Dev se desh aur Ram se rashtra ke jeevan mantra ko lekar ke chale hain, hum apna kartavya nibhaate chalte hain… We… pic.twitter.com/sFAPpZevh8
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) March 30, 2025
After laying the foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, PM Narendra Modi says, “..Madhav Netralaya is an institution that has been in the service of lakhs of people for decades, following the vision of Guruji (MS Golwalkar, Dwitiya Sarsanghchalak)…”
#WATCH | Maharashtra: After laying the foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, PM Narendra Modi says, “..Madhav Netralaya is an institution that has been in the service of lakhs of people for decades, following the vision of Guruji (MS Golwalkar, Dwitiya… pic.twitter.com/vLvZrIlJ2f
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) March 30, 2025
Celebrating India’s Cultural and Religious Heritage
PM Modi extended his greetings on the occasion of Gudi Padwa and other festivals, including Ugadi and Navreh, celebrated across various regions of India. He recalled the recent 75th anniversary of India’s Independence and mentioned his tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar at Deekshabhoomi, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the principles of equality and social justice laid down by Ambedkar.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | PM Narendra Modi extends his greetings on the occasion of Gudi Padwa to the people as he addresses a gathering after laying the foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre at Nagpur
(Source – ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/td0j7yrUe7
— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2025
Government’s Commitment to Affordable Healthcare
Addressing the public, PM Modi emphasised the government’s dedication to providing the best medical treatment for all citizens, particularly the underprivileged. He underscored the impact of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which has enabled crores of people to receive free medical treatment.
“It is our priority that all citizens of the country get better health facilities. Today, due to Ayushman Bharat, crores of people are receiving free treatment. Thousands of Jan Aushadhi Kendras are providing affordable medicines to the poor and middle-class families, saving them thousands of crores of rupees,” said PM Modi.
He further highlighted the expansion of healthcare infrastructure under his government, noting the significant increase in the number of medical colleges and AIIMS institutions across India. “We have doubled the number of medical colleges and tripled the number of operational AIIMS. Additionally, medical seats have also been doubled. Our goal is to serve the community by ensuring that qualified doctors are available to the people. We also made a bold decision to provide medical education in students’ mother tongue, ensuring that even children from underprivileged backgrounds can pursue a career in medicine,” he added.
Foundation Stone Laid for Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre
PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, an advanced extension of the Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute & Research Centre in Nagpur. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were present at the event.
Established in 2014, Madhav Netralaya is a premier super-specialty ophthalmic care facility in Nagpur, founded in memory of the late RSS Chief Madhavrao Sadashivrao Golwalkar, also known as Guruji. The new project will feature a 250-bed hospital, 14 outpatient departments (OPDs), and 14 modular operation theatres, aiming to provide world-class yet affordable eye care services to the public.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to accessible and high-quality healthcare services for all sections of society and highlighted how initiatives like these contribute to the broader vision of holistic development.
