Prime Minister Narendra Modi will complete 23 years as head of Government today, first serving as Chief Minister of Gujarat and later as India’s Prime Minister. Since taking office on October 7, 2001, PM Modi has championed numerous initiatives designed to enhance citizen engagement in national programs, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and ownership. His Government’s emphasis on grassroots participation has propelled large-scale projects across various sectors, including water conservation, sanitation, and sports. As Prime Minister, Modi continues to emphasise development (Vikas) while preserving heritage (Virasat).
Taking to X, Modi Archive, which documents and narrates the life journey of PM Narendra Modi through archival pictures, videos, audio clips and other such material, shared a pictorial glimpse of the Prime Minister from decades ago.
“Today marks the historic day when, 23 years ago, @narendramodi took office as Chief Minister of Gujarat. It was a turning point not only for Gujarat but for India. But not many know the story of how Narendra Modi became Gujarat’s Chief Minister 23 years ago,” the post began.
Today marks the historic day when, 23 years ago, @narendramodi took office as Chief Minister of Gujarat. It was a turning point not only for Gujarat but for India.
But not many know the story of how Narendra Modi became Gujarat’s Chief Minister 23 years ago..
By 2001, Modi was… pic.twitter.com/L1oPL9xdqT
— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) October 7, 2024
Highlighting that taking office as the Chief Minister of Gujarat was a significant milestone in the Prime Minister’s illustrious career, the post reflected on the period leading up to his tenure as Gujarat’s CM.
“By 2001, Modi was already three decades into his journey of public service. From his early days as an ordinary RSS pracharak to becoming a dedicated BJP worker, he had steadily risen as a strong contender for leadership. However, few knew at the time that this 51-year-old BJP National General Secretary, who had started his political career as the Kankaria ward secretary of the Jan Sangh in 1965, was about to take a historic leap,” it revealed.
Widely known among party members as “NaMo,” Modi dedicated years to transforming the BJP into a powerful force in Gujarat. The note concluded with a reflection on the most pivotal moment in PM Modi’s political trajectory.
During PM Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, he pioneered a governance model focused on economic growth, infrastructure modernisation, and social welfare programs. This “Gujarat Model” gained recognition for propelling the state’s rapid development and enhancing the lives of its residents. PM Modi’s successful initiatives in Gujarat served as a blueprint for several national programs, illustrating how local achievements could be scaled up to benefit the entire country.
The Gujarat Model: A Framework for National Development Initiatives
Under Modi’s leadership, several welfare programs were pioneered in Gujarat, including water conservation through the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan, electricity access under the Jyotigram Yojana, and sanitation improvements via the Nirmal Gujarat campaign. These initiatives were later expanded nationally, influencing programs such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, Saubhagya Scheme, and Swachh Bharat Mission.
Empowering Women and Farmers
Initiatives like the NaMo Drone Didi project and PM Samman Nidhi reflect Modi’s commitment to empowering women and farmers, originating from Gujarat’s Krishi Mahotsav and Mission Mangalam. These programs promoted modern agricultural techniques and offered microfinance support to women entrepreneurs, laying the groundwork for national initiatives such as Stand-Up India.
Swachh Bharat Mission: Transforming Sanitation
Launched in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission was inspired by PM Modi’s Nirmal Gujarat drive. This initiative has significantly enhanced sanitation across India, leading to better health outcomes and saving tens of thousands of infant lives each year by reducing the spread of waterborne diseases.
Water for All: The Jal Jeevan Mission
A key initiative inspired by Modi’s tenure in Gujarat is the Jal Jeevan Mission. Building on the success of the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan, this program has ensured safe tap water access to nearly 12 crore rural households in India by August 2024. Its impact goes beyond providing basic water access, as it also enhances public health by reducing waterborne diseases.
Electricity for All: Saubhagya Scheme
PM Modi’s vision of providing 24/7 electricity, which began during his time in Gujarat, evolved into the national Saubhagya Scheme. This program has successfully electrified over 2.86 crore households, significantly enhancing the quality of life for millions and promoting sustainability by reducing the reliance on diesel pumps in rural areas.
Fighting Hunger: PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana emerged as a lifeline for millions, tracing its origins to Gujarat’s Garib Kalyan Mela, which aided low-income families. Today, the scheme continues to provide free food grains to over 80 crore beneficiaries, greatly enhancing food security across the country.
India on the Global Stage: LiFE Movement and Sustainable Development
On the international front, PM Modi has established India as a leader in sustainable development. At COP26, he launched the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement, encouraging communities to adopt eco-friendly practices to combat climate change and reinforcing India’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Balancing Development and Heritage: Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi
PM Modi’s governance emphasises the balance between modernisation and cultural preservation. Initiatives such as the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, the construction of the Ram Mandir, and the repatriation of over 640 artefacts to India highlight his administration’s commitment to integrating development with heritage conservation.
Jan Bhagidari and Pro-People Governance
A key philosophy of Modi’s leadership is Jan Bhagidari, or people’s participation in governance, which has transformed into the mantra “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Collective Effort for Inclusive Development). His administration’s commitment to this approach is evident in various schemes aimed at uplifting marginalised sections of society.
The Vision for the Future: Viksit Bharat 2047
Looking ahead, Modi envisions India as a developed nation by 2047, coinciding with the centenary of independence. His “Viksit Bharat” vision outlines long-term development goals centred on infrastructure, economic growth, and enhancing India’s global standing. As the nation progresses, achieving “developed” status will necessitate ongoing reforms, innovation, and inclusive governance.
Celebrating 23 Years of Development: Vikas Saptah
The Gujarat Government has announced a week-long celebration to commemorate 23 years of development under Narendra Modi’s leadership. Known as ‘Vikas Saptah’ (Development Week), the event will take place from October 7 to October 15, showcasing key milestones achieved since Modi became Chief Minister in 2001.
Throughout ‘Vikas Saptah,’ 23 iconic locations across the state, including the Statue of Unity, Sabarmati Riverfront, Surat Diamond Bourse, and Dwarka Sudarshan Bridge, will host a ‘Vikas Padyatra’ (Development March) to highlight PM Modi’s contributions to Gujarat’s growth.
The week will feature various activities, such as development-themed essay competitions in schools and colleges, cultural programs by local artists, and the beautification of public spaces through wall paintings and lighting.
Citizens will also be encouraged to share their personal experiences of PM Modi’s governance on social and digital media using the hashtag #VikasSaptah.
