Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra, emphasising the significance of the day, which coincides with Chaitra Shukla Pratipada and various festivals like Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, and Navreh. He highlighted the birth anniversaries of Bhagwan Jhulelal, Guru Angad Dev, and Dr. K B Hedgewar, as well as the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Modi paid tribute to Dr. Hedgewar and Shri Golwalkar Guruji at Smruti Mandir and extended greetings for Navratri and other festivities. 

Addressing the gathering, he praised Madhav Netralaya’s decades-long service in restoring vision and expressed confidence that the new campus would enhance its healthcare initiatives. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring quality healthcare for all, mentioning the impact of Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras in making medical treatment affordable. He highlighted the expansion of medical colleges and AIIMS institutions, enabling more students to pursue medicine in their native languages. He also acknowledged India's global leadership in promoting yoga and Ayurveda. 

Reflecting on India's cultural resilience despite centuries of invasions, he cited social reformers like Guru Nanak Dev, Kabir Das, and Sant Tukaram. He commended RSS volunteers for their contributions to education, healthcare, and disaster relief. He emphasized India's shift from colonial-era laws to policies that uphold national pride, citing initiatives like renaming Rajpath as Kartavya Path and incorporating Shivaji Maharaj’s emblem into the Navy’s flag. 

Modi underscored India's role in global humanitarian efforts, including vaccine distribution and disaster relief. He praised the nation's youth for their contributions to innovation and their commitment to India’s development, reinforcing the vision of a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. Concluding his speech, he urged collective efforts to build a stronger, self-reliant India, guided by the ideals of RSS and national service. 

The event was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, and other dignitaries. 

(PIB)