Nagpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Nagpur on Sunday, paying homage to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and the second RSS chief, M. S. Golwalkar. His visit coincided with the Pratipada programme of the Sangh, which marks the Hindu New Year celebration of Gudi Padwa.
During the visit, Modi was accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, former general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. At the Smruti Mandir in Reshimbagh, the Prime Minister interacted with senior RSS functionaries at the Smruti Bhavan and took group photographs with them.
Additionally, he met Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara at the RSS headquarters. Before leaving, Modi signed the visitor’s book at the Smruti Mandir.
Modi’s First Visit as PM to RSS Memorial
This marks Modi’s first visit to the Hedgewar Smruti Mandir since becoming Prime Minister. The last Prime Minister to visit the memorial was Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who paid his respects on August 27, 2000.
Visit to Deekshabhoomi, Ambedkar’s Historic Site
PM Modi also visited Deekshabhoomi, the revered site where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in 1956 along with thousands of his followers. His visit to this landmark highlighted the government’s emphasis on social harmony and Ambedkar’s legacy.
Foundation Stone for Eye Care Centre
Apart from his tributes, Modi laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, an expansion of the Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute & Research Centre in Nagpur. Founded in 2014, the institute was established in memory of Madhavrao Sadashivrao Golwalkar, the late RSS chief 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 and affordable eye care services to the public.
