Pune, March 22 The vision of 'Developed India' (Viksit Bharat) must also include 'Healthy India' (Swasth Bharat), Vice President CP Radhakrishnan said on Sunday, 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, conceptualized by Mahatma Gandhi, at Uruli Kanchan here, Radhakrishnan asserted that 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 include Swasth Bharat, with institutions like the Nisargopachar Ashram playing a vital role in this endeavor. People must adopt balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, mental well-being, and a lifestyle aligned with nature," the VP said.
Both Mahatma Gandhi, who conceptualized 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.
"Gandhi believed nature to be the greatest healer and emphasized 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.
