Dr. Krishnagopal Jee, Sah-Sarkaryawah of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), undertook a two-day tour of Manipur on February 14–15. During his visit, he engaged with various stakeholders and sections of society to discuss issues of national development and social responsibility. As part of his visit, Dr. Krishnagopal interacted with the doctor community at Bhaskar Prabha, Konjeng Leikai, Imphal West, in a programme organised by RSS Imphal Nagar. The session highlighted the crucial role of medical professionals in building a healthy and prosperous nation.
In his address, Dr. Krishnagopal recalled the journey of RSS from its humble beginnings with a single shakha in Nagpur to more than 90,000 daily shakhas today. He noted that the organisation’s mission has always been to build a strong, self-reliant, and glorious Bharat. He emphasized that Bharat, known for its vast ancient knowledge—grammar, mathematics, metallurgy, textiles, perfumes, and Ayurveda—had once led the world in education and innovation, exemplified by great universities like Takshashila. However, historical challenges had transformed this land of scholars into one struggling with literacy—a situation the RSS strives to reverse through social awakening and nation-building.
Highlighting India’s progress in recent decades, Dr. Krishnagopal observed that the country now stands among the world’s fastest-growing economies, with GDP growth reaching 7–8 percent and occasionally touching double digits, surpassing nations like China and the United States. He expressed confidence that India is moving steadily toward becoming a “developed (unati) nation.” Calling upon medical professionals to address the growing health challenges facing modern Bharat, he praised the nation’s economic and technological achievements but noted that the physical health of its citizens still needs improvement.
He cited several RSS initiatives—such as organising free eye-testing camps that distributed over 165 lakh spectacles during the Maha Kumbha Mela, establishing a ₹100 crore eye hospital in Nagpur, and developing a ₹300 crore charitable hospital in Vrindavan—explaining that these efforts reflect a spirit of social duty rather than publicity. Addressing issues like anemia and drug addiction, he mentioned that RSS volunteers have adopted villages to combat anemia through awareness and free treatment programmes. Similarly, initiatives such as Nasha Mukt Punjab and similar drives in Jammu and Gorakhpur focus on rehabilitation and de-addiction through community involvement.
Commending the establishment of the National Sports University in Manipur, Dr. Krishnagopal remarked that it symbolizes Manipur’s potential as a powerhouse of physical strength and youth energy. He urged the local community to ensure that Manipur does not become a hub of drug addiction but a model of mental and physical wellness. Dr. Krishnagopal also appreciated the National Medicos Organization (NMO), an independent national-level body of doctors, for their service and outreach in various underserved regions.
He reminded the gathering that Manipur’s traditional diet ranks among the healthiest in India but warned against the growing attraction toward fast food, which has adversely affected public health. He appealed to both doctors and citizens to preserve traditional dietary habits and promote healthy living. Emphasizing the importance of starting with small yet meaningful steps while aiming high, he urged the doctors’ community to adopt a colony near RIMS and provide free counseling and healthcare services to approximately 500 residents.
He also appreciated local doctors who have been conducting voluntary medical services and outreach camps across remote areas of the state, encouraging them to continue their dedicated service to society.
The interaction concluded with an open discussion in which participants shared practical ideas on how the medical fraternity can further contribute to national well-being and strengthen public health initiatives.
Around 200 doctors from Manipur—representing diverse medical fields, including Manipuri professionals working across India and a super-specialist currently based in the United Kingdom—actively took part in the programme.
