Prime Minister Modi interacts with children who overcame congenital heart conditions, lauds them for their exceptional spirit and fortitude

RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with over 2,500 children who had successfully undergone free heart surgeries under the “Gift of Life” initiative at Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Child Heart Hospital in Nava Raipur. The programme, titled “PM Modi Se Dil Ki Baat”, was a moving celebration of resilience, compassion, and hope.

Among the children was a young hockey player, who had won five medals before being diagnosed with a congenital heart condition during a school health check-up. After undergoing surgery six months ago, she has returned to the field with renewed strength. When the Prime Minister asked her about her aspirations, she replied with a bright smile, “I want to become a doctor and treat all children.”
Modi laughed and asked, “Will you treat elders too?” She nodded confidently, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.


Another girl shared that she had undergone surgery a year ago and, inspired by her doctors, now dreams of becoming one herself. When the Prime Minister teasingly asked whether she cried during treatment, she replied, “No.” She then recited a motivational poem for him, which Modi listened to with evident delight.

A young boy who had been operated on in 2014 at just 14 months old proudly told the Prime Minister that he was now healthy and plays cricket regularly. “Do you go for regular check-ups?” Modi asked. “Yes, and I have no health problems,” the boy replied. As the child expressed his wish to see the Prime Minister up close, Modi affectionately lifted him in his arms — a gesture that drew warm applause across the hall.

Another child, Abhik from West Bengal, shared his dream of joining the Indian Army. When the Prime Minister asked him why, Abhik replied with conviction, “Because I want to protect my country like our soldiers do.” Modi smiled and said, “That spirit makes India proud.”

One young girl, overwhelmed with joy, said that meeting the Prime Minister had been her dream after watching him on television. Modi spoke to her with characteristic warmth and used the moment to convey a larger message on responsibility and gratitude.

He urged the children to stay healthy, practise yoga, and follow a disciplined routine, reminding them that “taking care of your health is the first step towards fulfilling your dreams.” He also spoke about environmental consciousness, encouraging them to join his campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” — planting a tree in their mother’s name as a tribute to both Mother Earth and their own mothers.

The “Gift of Life” initiative by the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital provides free cardiac surgeries to children from across India and neighbouring countries. Over 25,000 surgeries have been performed so far — giving new life to countless families who could not afford treatment.

Praising the hospital’s work, the Prime Minister said, “No child should lose life because of lack of resources. The doctors and volunteers here are not just saving lives — they are serving humanity. Their dedication and compassion represent the true spirit of India.”
As Modi left the stage, the hall echoed with cheers and smiles — a reflection of pure joy and the unbreakable spirit of children who have fought, healed, and dared to dream again.