‘Viksit Bharat’ vision must include ‘Swasth Bharat’, says VP; asks people to adopt healthy lifestyle

PUNE: The vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) must also encompass ‘Swasth Bharat’ (healthy India), Vice President CP Radhakrishnan said on Sunday while urging citizens to adopt balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, mental well-being and a lifestyle aligned with nature.

Speaking at the 81st Foundation Day celebrations of the Nisargopachar Ashram, conceptualised by Mahatma Gandhi, at Uruli Kanchan here, Radhakrishnan asserted health is not merely the absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

“The vision of Viksit Bharat must also encompass Swasth Bharat, with institutions like Nisargopachar Ashram playing a vital role in this endeavour. People must adopt balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, mental well-being, and a lifestyle aligned with nature,” the VP said.

Both Mahatma Gandhi, who conceptualised the Ashram, and the farmer who donated land for this noble cause deserve the nation’s gratitude, he added.

The Nisargopachar Ashram is not merely an institution, but a movement, a philosophy, and a way of life inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of simple, disciplined living in harmony with nature, Radhakrishnan said.

“Gandhiji believed nature to be the greatest healer and emphasised that true health lies in simplicity, discipline, and living in harmony with nature,” the VP told the gathering.

On the occasion, the Vice President also released the book ‘Secrets of Our Happiness’ authored by Dr Narayan Hegde, managing trustee of the Ashram. Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar were present at the event. (PTI)