Education is essential for acquiring knowledge, and a healthy body is essential for attaining that knowledge. Unfortunately, good health and quality education are now out of the reach of the common man. Earlier, these were considered acts of service, but now both healthcare and education have become commercial ventures. Education was once considered a sacred duty, but today, society has undergone significant change. Still, educators must remain conscious that teaching should continue to be regarded as a responsibility in their lives, said RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat at the inauguration of a Cancer Care Center of Shri Guruji Seva Nyas Madhav Srishti in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
He elaborated on the importance of accessible healthcare and education for all. Dr Bhagwat pointed out that students often have to travel far for quality education, and for advanced medical treatment, patients must go to big cities. The nation needs affordable and easily accessible healthcare. Treatment should not itself become a source of anxiety. He noted that the Western approach is to apply one idea universally, but medical research conducted abroad cannot always be applied everywhere, as the world is diverse. Some benefit from naturopathy, others from homeopathy — no single system of medicine can be deemed supreme. Indian medical traditions focus on personalized care tailored to a patient’s needs. Currently, high-quality cancer care is available only in 8–10 Indian cities, making affordable and accessible healthcare a necessity.
Sharing an anecdote, Dr Bhagwat recalled that when he was a child and fell ill with malaria, he missed school for three days. His teacher visited his home, went into the forest to collect medicinal herbs, and treated him. This, he said, reflects the true role of a teacher — caring not only for a student’s learning but also for their well-being. Society today needs such accessible healthcare. In the corporate era, education has become a hub for business. Diseases, he added, He said that diseases are eternal; they will end only when humans perish.
Dr Bhagwat praised the Indore project but urged humility, warning against self-congratulation. “Do not think of yourself as a great achiever. We have been given the opportunity to serve, and we must continue to do so. Perform good deeds and forget them; take small steps forward consistently. It is good to feel blessed and proud of this work, but one must not let ego creep in.” During his visit, he carefully inspected the building and its facilities and viewed an exhibition on life journeys.
Mukesh Hajela, President of Guruji Seva Nyas, shared that over three lakh people have benefited from the trust’s health centers. The project’s aim is to provide top-quality healthcare to those who cannot afford it due to financial constraints.
The Shri Guruji Seva Nyas Madhav Srishti Cancer Care Center is being built in Indore at a cost of ₹96 crore, in two phases. In the first phase, construction worth approximately Rs 26 crore has been completed, including two basements, a ground floor, and three upper floors, which were inaugurated on Sunday. The second phase will include installation of high-tech equipment and construction of additional floors. The entire project is being funded through public participation, with contributions from companies under their CSR initiatives.
Earlier, Dr. Bhagwat attended a social harmony meeting at Brilliant Convention Center. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., he interacted with leaders of 180 communities from the Indore-Ujjain division. The meeting covered topics related to social change, national and local issues, and ways to uplift society. Dr. Bhagwat discussed the challenges faced by communities, possible solutions, and his vision for national development. He also spoke on the RSS centenary year program “Panch Parivartan” (Five Transformations) which include promoting a Swadeshi lifestyle, family values, environmental conservation, civic discipline, and social harmony. Plans for October 2 events marking the centenary were also discussed.
