Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that Kashi, traditionally known as a centre of religion and spirituality, will now emerge as a significant centre for healthcare. He made this assertion while inaugurating the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in his Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Modi remarked, “For a long time, Kashi’s identity has been that of a centre of religion and spirituality, but now it is also set to emerge as a big centre of healthcare with various top-of-the-line health treatment facilities now available in Varanasi.” Reciting the Sanskrit couplet “Tamaso ma jyotirgamay (lead me from darkness to light),” he expressed his feelings of being “blessed” to be back in Varanasi once again.
Modi highlighted the government’s achievements over the past decade, stating, “In the last 10 years, 25 crore people have emerged from poverty, and that is why our government is paying special attention to ensure people remain healthy.” He noted the eye hospital as “a blend of spirituality and modernity” that will serve both the elderly and children. The RJ Sankara Eye Hospital is the 14th facility operated by Kanchi Math in the country and will benefit residents from 20 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as those in bordering areas of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Before the inauguration, the prime minister met with the Shankaracharya of Kanchi and paid homage at the statue of the former Shankaracharya.