Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has emphasised that access to affordable education and quality healthcare are fundamental needs of every individual and called for these services to be decentralised. He made these remarks while speaking at the inauguration of the Pandit Dindayal Cancer Hospital in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, on 22 December 2025.
Addressing the Cancer Care Challenge
During his address, Bhagwat focused on the devastating impact of cancer, a disease that affects not only the patient but also their entire family. He pointed out the immense emotional and financial strain that a cancer diagnosis places on households. The RSS chief urged for broader societal participation in serving and supporting those battling the illness, suggesting that community involvement is crucial in alleviating this burden.
A Call for Systemic Decentralisation
Expanding on the theme of accessibility, Bhagwat argued that for essential services like education and healthcare to be truly affordable and reachable, they must be decentralised. This approach, he implied, would move these critical pillars of development away from centralised systems and bring them closer to people in towns and villages across India. His comments underscore a vision where local communities have greater control and access to these vital resources.
Society's Role in Nation Building
The inauguration event highlighted a model of healthcare initiative rooted in service. By calling for societal participation, Bhagwat reinforced the idea that nation-building and social welfare are collective responsibilities. The establishment of the new cancer hospital in Chandrapur itself serves as a step towards improving specialised medical infrastructure in the region, aiming to provide critical care closer to home for many patients.
Bhagwat's speech connected the specific cause of cancer care with the broader national imperative of ensuring every citizen's right to affordable education and healthcare. His message clearly links social service with the development of a healthy and educated populace, which is fundamental for the country's progress.
