Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has voiced concerns about the increasing commercialization of healthcare and education, suggesting they are becoming inaccessible to the average person. Bhagwat's statements highlight the importance of these two sectors as basic needs, akin to food, clothing, and shelter. He emphasized that education is not a business but a "vrat" (pledge) to create fine human beings.
Bhagwat has consistently advocated for an education system rooted in Indian values that prepares individuals to be self-sufficient and contribute to society. He believes that "Bharatiya" education teaches sacrifice and living for others, and that true education should not promote selfishness. Speaking at an education conclave in Kochi, Bhagwat stressed the need for a holistic education system that adapts to modern advancements while remaining grounded in Bharatiya traditions. He also pointed out that the world values strength, and India needs to be strong and wealthy.
Bhagwat has also spoken on the regulatory environment in education, suggesting that it should facilitate learning rather than act as a barrier. He believes that the focus should be on streamlining processes and ensuring smooth functioning, rather than enforcing rigid rules that stifle experimentation among students. He lauded the National Education Policy (NEP), noting that discussions for such a system have been underway for many years and that many schools have long been imparting value-based education. He expressed confidence that the NEP will be fully implemented and lead the country towards its desired future.
Regarding healthcare, Bhagwat's remarks came during the inauguration of a cancer hospital in Thane. He noted that along with food, clothing, and shelter, education and healthcare have become basic requirements for the common person, emphasizing the need for more accessible education and medical facilities. He also acknowledged the increase in cancer cases and the financial strain that treatment can place on families, highlighting the importance of affordable and accessible healthcare.
Bhagwat's comments reflect a broader concern about the direction in which these essential services are heading. The idea that healthcare and education are becoming commodities, driven by profit motives, raises questions about equity and social justice. If access to these services is determined by one's ability to pay, it creates a divide where the disadvantaged are left behind.
The RSS chief's call for a re-evaluation of the role of commercial interests in healthcare and education is a reminder that these sectors have a profound impact on individuals and society as a whole. They are not merely economic engines but fundamental pillars of a just and equitable society. Ensuring that they remain within reach of the common person is essential for the well-being and progress of the nation.
