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Union ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³ Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated the new Bengaluru campus of Adichunchanagiri University (ACU) on 20 June 2025, praising it as a model of modern education and healthcare rooted in Indian cultural values.Built at a cost of Rs 2 billion, the campus spans 20 million square feet across 16 acres and will cater to 4,000 students. The facility includes a 1,000-bed state-of-the-art hospital aimed at delivering free and affordable treatment to the underprivileged, along with advanced education and research in disciplines such as cardiology, neurosurgery, oncology, and transplant services.Shri Shah commended the efforts of Jagadguru Shri Dr. Balagangadharanatha Swamiji and Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji in preserving Adichunchanagiri’s 1,800-year-old spiritual heritage while aligning it with community service. He noted that the Mutt’s work across nine pillars—food, education, health, spirituality, shelter, environment, disaster relief, compassion, and community partnerships—demonstrates a successful integration of tradition and modernity.The Minister described the institution as not just an educational centre, but a holistic platform for uplifting society. He highlighted how the Mutt has helped orphaned children, elderly individuals, and the mentally ill, while also offering students free accommodation and pathways to societal respect through quality education.Calling the university one of India’s emerging premier institutions, he credited its dual focus on character-building and skill development as key to shaping responsible citizens.Shri Shah referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s healthcare vision, stating that poverty is often a consequence of illness, and addressing this requires accessible, affordable healthcare. Under Modi’s leadership, the government now provides free treatment of up to Rs 500,000 to 600 million people.Citing initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana—where medicines are sold at just 20 per cent of retail prices—he highlighted the government’s efforts to bring down healthcare costs. Additionally, over 12 crore toilets have been built, the Fit India Movement and Yoga Day were launched, and free vaccination under Mission Indradhanush now covers children up to 15 years of age.He also pointed to the significant expansion in medical education: the number of AIIMS has risen from 7 to 23, medical colleges have doubled from 387 to 780, and MBBS seats have increased from 51,000 to 1,18,000, while postgraduate seats have grown from 31,000 to 74,000 since 2014.Concluding his address, Shri Shah praised the ACU campus as a beacon of integrated development—where education, spirituality, healthcare, and social equity converge to build a healthier and more enlightened India.