Nagpur: PM Modi Visits RSS Headquarters for First Time as Prime Minister, Calls Sangh a ‘Banyan Tree’ of Indian Culture
In his first visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters since becoming prime minister 11 years ago, Narendra Modi on Sunday described the Sangh as the “banyan tree” of India’s enduring culture.
PM Modi is only the second sitting prime minister to visit the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, following Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit in 2000 during his third term. This visit marks Modi’s first to the headquarters as PM and comes during his third term in office.
During his packed schedule in Nagpur, PM Modi paid homage at the Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir at the RSS headquarters. He also visited Deekshabhoomi, the site where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in 1956.
Additionally, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, an extension of the Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute & Research Centre, named after former RSS chief Madhavrao Golwalkar.
PM Modi Hails RSS as ‘Banyan Tree’ of Indian Culture, Pays Tribute at Deekshabhoomi and RSS Memorials in Nagpur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Nagpur, laid the foundation stone of the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre and praised the selfless service of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteers across the country.
Describing the RSS as the “banyan tree” of India’s immortal culture and modernization, PM Modi said its ideals protect national consciousness. “This large vatvruksh is not an ordinary one,” he remarked, emphasizing that the RSS is synonymous with service.
He highlighted the organization’s century-long dedication, saying that its tapasya (penance), sangathan (organization), and samarpan (dedication) are now bearing fruit as India moves toward its goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Comparing the 1925-47 period to India’s independence struggle, he noted that the RSS is now entering another milestone in 2025.
“From 2025 to 2047, we have ambitious goals ahead. We must lay the foundation for a strong and developed India for the next 1,000 years,” PM Modi said.
Marking 75 years of the Constitution and 100 years of the RSS, he reiterated his government’s commitment to realizing the vision of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, calling Deekshabhoomi a symbol of social justice and empowerment for the marginalized. “A developed and inclusive Bharat will be the true tribute to Babasaheb,” he added.
During his visit, PM Modi paid homage at the Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir, honoring RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and second sarsanghchalak (chief) M.S. Golwalkar. Writing in Hindi in the venue’s message book, he called their memorials an inspiration to countless swayamsevaks (volunteers) dedicated to national service.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat praised the work of Madhav Netralaya, saying it embodies the Sangh’s ethos of selfless service. “It doesn’t look good that people lack healthcare. That’s why RSS volunteers have worked tirelessly to provide vision to the needy,” he said.
Later, PM Modi visited Deekshabhoomi, where he paid homage to Dr. Ambedkar’s asthi (mortal remains) kept inside the stupa. In the visitors’ diary, he wrote, “One can feel Babasaheb’s principles of social harmony, equality, and justice in this sacred space. Deekshabhoomi energizes us to build a system of equal rights and justice for all.”
PM Modi also visited Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited’s ammunition facility in Nagpur, where he inaugurated an airstrip for Unarmed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and a facility for testing loitering munitions.
