Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nagpur on Sunday, paying homage at the Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir, a memorial dedicated to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and second Sarsanghchalak M.S. Golwalkar. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, former general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were present during the visit. Modi also met with RSS office-bearers and signed a message book, describing the memorial as an inspiration for swayamsevaks dedicated to serving the nation. His visit coincided with the Sangh’s Pratipada programme, marking Gudi Padwa and the beginning of the Hindu New Year.

During his visit, PM Modi highlighted the values of nationalism and Indian culture that the memorial represents. He expressed deep admiration for the contributions of Dr. Hedgewar and Golwalkar, emphasizing their role in shaping the RSS as a significant socio-cultural organization. This marks Modi’s first visit to the Smruti Mandir since becoming Prime Minister, following in the footsteps of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who visited the site in 2000. Modi also participated in a group photo session with RSS members at Smruti Bhavan, reinforcing his strong association with the organization.

Later in the day, PM Modi visited Deekshabhoomi, an important site in Nagpur where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism in 1956 along with his followers. The visit to Deekshabhoomi holds historical and social significance, especially for Dalit and Buddhist communities in India. Upon his arrival in Nagpur, he was welcomed by Chief Minister Fadnavis, Union Minister Gadkari, and BJP state chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Modi’s visit to both the RSS memorial and Deekshabhoomi reflects his engagement with key ideological and social movements that have shaped modern India.