Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday slammed previous governments for their neglect of eastern Uttar Pradesh, stating that while Kashi has traditionally been known as a centre of religion and spirituality, it is now poised to become a prominent centre for healthcare.
While inaugurating the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in his Varanasi constituency, he expressed his joy at returning to the city by reciting the Sanskrit phrase “Tamaso ma jyotirgamay” (lead me from darkness to light). He emphasised that Kashi is not only retaining its spiritual identity but is also developing top-tier health facilities.
“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,” the prime minister said.
Modi highlighted that in the past decade, 250 million people have lifted themselves out of poverty, prompting his government to focus on public health. After touring the newly opened eye hospital, he described it as a harmonious blend of spirituality and modernity, set to serve both the elderly and children.
“I have just come back after seeing this eye hospital, it is a blend of spirituality and modernity. This hospital will serve the elderly as well as children,” Modi said.
The RJ Sankara Eye Hospital is operated by the Kanchi Math and is the 14th institution of its kind in India. Before the inauguration, Modi paid his respects to the Shankaracharya of Kanchi and the statue of the former Shankaracharya.
The hospital is expected to benefit residents from 20 districts across eastern Uttar Pradesh and those in border areas of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
During his day-long visit to Varanasi, Modi will also roll out various development initiatives, including a series of airport projects totalling over Rs 6,700 crore. This visit marks his first return to Varanasi since June 18.
Additionally, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), he will lay the foundation stone for airport runway expansion and a new terminal at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, with an estimated cost of around Rs 2,870 crore.