PM Modi Inaugurates RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi, Calls City a Rising Healthcare Hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi, marking a major step towards transforming the city's healthcare sector. During his address, Modi took a dig at previous governments, accusing them of neglecting eastern Uttar Pradesh. He highlighted the importance of Kashi (Varanasi), traditionally known as a centre of religion and spirituality, but said it is now on the path to becoming a major healthcare hub.

"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 during the inauguration. He recited the Sanskrit couplet "Tamaso ma jyotirgamay (lead me from darkness to light)" and shared that he felt "blessed" to be back in his parliamentary constituency.

Modi praised the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital, calling it a "blend of spirituality and modernity." He noted that the hospital would cater to the elderly and children alike, benefitting the people of 20 districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh, along with those living in border regions of Bihar , Madhya Pradesh , and Chhattisgarh . The facility is the 14th hospital in the country run by the Kanchi Math. Before the inauguration, the Prime Minister met with the Shankaracharya of Kanchi and paid his respects at the statue of the former Shankaracharya.

The Prime Minister also used the occasion to highlight his government’s achievements in reducing poverty. "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 said.

Modi’s visit to Varanasi, his first since June 18, includes the launch of multiple development projects, including airport initiatives worth over Rs 6,700 crore. At Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, he will lay the foundation stone for runway expansion and a new terminal building, with a combined cost of around Rs 2,870 crore. These projects are aimed at boosting Varanasi’s connectivity and infrastructure, further aiding the region’s development.