Bharat’s current Prime Minister, Narendra Damodardas Modi, has recently entered the 25th year of power in his public life. After assuming the responsibility as Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, while leading this state for 13 years, he created a distinct identity for himself based on efficiency in administration, decisive leadership, and direct communication with the people, and also maintained the tradition of making decisions in the national interest as a loyal Swayamsevak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. From 2001 to 2014, Gujarat’s development model attracted the country’s attention. His policies in industry, infrastructure, and disaster management received great appreciation in the country. When the Bhartiya Janata Party entrusted Narendra Modi with the responsibility of Gujarat in 2001, the state was going through an extremely difficult situation. That year, the Bhuj earthquake, the cyclone before that, the continuous drought, and political instability were experienced by Gujarat. These crises made him resolute, and he determined to work with new vigour for the service of the people and the reconstruction of Gujarat.
When he assumed the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the people of the state were disappointed. There was a lack of electricity, water, and employment, and there was a shadow of instability on the agriculture and industry sectors. But he not only pulled the state out of this situation through excellent management but also made Gujarat a powerhouse of ‘good governance’. The region that used to be ridiculed as drought-prone became the leading in the country in agricultural production. The business culture transformed into a strong industrial and production capacity. The state was freed from frequently imposed curfews. Along with that, there was a great addition to social and physical facilities, which is separate.
In 2014, Narendra Modi ascended to the position of Prime Minister of Bharat, and after that, great changes were seen in the country’s political, economic, and social journey. In 2013, he was declared the prime ministerial candidate by the Bhartiya Janata Party. At that time, the people’s trust in the government had eroded. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was accused of corruption, nepotism, and policy paralysis. Bharat was considered a weak link at the national level. However, in the 2014 elections, the Bhartiya people gave a massive majority to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). For the first time in 30 years, a single party got a majority at the centre on its own strength, and the reins of power came into the hands of Sangh Swayamsevak, Pracharak Modi. During that time, through initiatives like Digital India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Ayushman Bharat, Make in India, and Jan Dhan Yojana, efforts were made to bring the government to the people. Modi’s role was also important in giving new prestige to Bharat’s position at the international level. By emphasising a strong foreign policy, border security, and indigenous capabilities, he advanced the concept of self-reliant Bharat. And now, this year, the response Modi gave to the Pahalgam attack (the attack done after asking about religion), entering Pakistan’s teritory and giving it a punch, the sensitivity shown in naming this operation ‘Operation Sindoor’, the creativity, the mind needed to understand the hearts of the victim sisters, and the timeliness shown by Sangh Swayamsevak and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in not even mentioning it in a public program that happened the previous day despite having the idea of the attack on Pakistan, appealed to everyone.
Before you know it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administrative political career has stepped into its 25th year. Today, one has to look at his career of ‘good governance’ from the perspective of ‘service’ and ‘resolve’ rather than ‘power’. Under his leadership, Bharat has faced many challenges and created its firm position on the world stage. Before assuming the position of Prime Minister, he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat three times. He established the record of holding the position of Chief Minister of the state for 2063 days. He is the first person born after Bharat’s independence to ascend to the position of Prime Minister of the country.
On the occasion of his 75th birthday this year, the Bhartiya Janata Party decided to observe a ‘seva pandharvada’ right up to the village level in the country. Hundreds of BJP workers gave him an incomparable gift by donating blood on his birthday, who dreams grandly in any matter. On this occasion, while planning ‘seva pandharvada’ on one side, the opponents’ longing for his retirement by mentioning his age was seen by all Bhartiya. While reviewing his administrative performance of the last 24 years, no other exclamation can be made except ‘If Swayamsevak Modi is there, then everything is possible’.
Atalji would have praised Modi
Looking at the recognition Bharat has gained at the international level during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, the leading position Bharat has achieved in the world, the increased respect for Bhartiya in those countries, the heightened prestige of Bhartiya in many fields, and his dream of making Bharat’s economy five trillion, one cannot help but wonder if this would have really been possible if Narendra Modi was not the Prime Minister? No matter how much abuse the opponents gave to Modi, no matter how much criticism they made on him, accused him of having Hitlerian attitude, called him ‘merchant of death’ (Mout ka Saudagar), ridiculed him as a tea seller, mocked him as a jumlebaz, derided him as suit-boot ka Prime Minister, labeled him as ‘Sanghi’, and insulted him as ‘56 inches’, today the situation is such that the opponents do not have even a single leader who can come close to Modi, who can reach his height, this is the reality. If former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee were alive today and he had been invited as the chief speaker on Modi’s 75th birthday, he would certainly have started his speech by saying Narendra Modi means sacrifice, Modi means tireless hard work, Modi means adventurous spirit, Modi means patriotism, Modi means fearless nature, Modi means decision-making ability, Modi means communication skills, Modi means quick-wittedness, Modi means extraordinary ideas, Modi means understanding, Modi means immense hope, Modi means extraordinary chemistry, and would have earned applause from the audience.
Incomprehensible nature’s veteran leader
Narendra Modi means a collection of many qualities. The qualities in him are such that they create jealousy in his opponents. His qualities, like statecraft, international relations, compassion for the poor, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ like his, punctuality, honesty, spiritual power, devotion to the environment, love for nature, worldly wisdom, politics, public welfare, mass mobilisation, education, religion, teaching attitude, worship of knowledge, etc., are worth emulating. No single parameter can remain to measure his personality. He is a strange character, and it is not possible to unravel what is going on in his mind. Since it is difficult to understand his mind, his personality is not like traditional political leaders, and he is described as a veteran leader with an incomprehensible nature.
Finding a completely vegetarian person in the public sector is difficult, yet Narendra Modi’s being vegetarian baffles others. In the era of looking at fasting with mockery, this person becomes inspiring for others by strictly fasting during Navratri. His insistence on foreign travel is not just for fun, but to re-establish the communication bridge that has been broken with that country for years. He takes precautions so that his travel remains at night, so that time is not wasted during foreign travel, so that the entire daytime can be used for government work. He maintained the tradition of taking his mother’s blessings before starting any new initiative until her death.
Advice from mother to work for the poor
After completing 24 years in power, through his tweet, he reminded us of two teachings given to him by his mother. When he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat, his mother gave him two instructions. This mother said, “I don’t have much knowledge of your work. But always remember two things… one, always work for the poor and two, never take a bribe.” It is seen that he has followed both these things in all the decisions he has taken so far.
His first day in Parliament cannot be forgotten by anyone. Since Parliament is the temple of democracy, this saint expressed his respect towards this building by bowing his head at its footsteps while climbing its steps. He felt proud without forgetting his cultural heritage while performing the Ganga Aarti. While abolishing the tradition of red beacon cars in the country with one signature, he did not consider anyone. He did not need anyone’s recommendations while abolishing hundreds of outdated laws. He did not care that he would be accused of dictatorship while imposing restrictions on government employees for coming and going to the office. When riots erupted in Gujarat after the Godhra incident, Modi faced tremendous criticism. Efforts were made to deny him a US visa. He was cornered from all sides. After that, when he reached the public court for campaigning in the elections, people insisted on him giving a spontaneous and situation-appropriate enthusiastic speech, setting aside his traditional speech. From his spontaneous and directional speech, Bhartiya in this country got a sense of what they want. Those speeches gave strength to the nationalist forces there, and his popularity spread across the country. Through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi gave popularity to All India Radio and literally understood the thoughts in the minds of people in villages through it. While taking note of Bhartiya’s skills, knowledge, concepts, research, and achievements, he never even considered caste, attire, religion, or sect. Whatever is necessary for the development of this country, he accepted it as a politician and as complementary to the thoughts and policies of the Bhartiya Janata Party. He always kept the doors of his mind open for religious leaders, whether Muslim, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist, Jain, or Hindu. He never let the communication bridge break. When Vajpayee gave him instructions to follow Rajdharma in Gujarat, he did not get agitated. On the contrary, becoming more strict, calmly, he drank this poison, proving that he is an incarnation of Shankar. The worship done for peace of mind in the cave of Kedarnath, the interviews taken by various media representatives at the beginning of the Namami Gange campaign and on the occasion of the announcement of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor were proving his uniqueness. The echo of ‘Modi… Modi…’ coming from the audience while interacting with non-resident Bhartiya on foreign soil still gives goosebumps. Wherever Modi goes, the welcome he receives is a reward for the work he has done for the non-residents. While addressing the Pravasi Bhartiya Sammelan, the promise he took from them to bring five people each for Bharat Darshan shows what efforts Modi makes for this country, for the robustness of this country’s economy.
Home in the hearts of women and youth
It is seen that Modi has made a home even in the hearts of school-going children. It is seen that Modi has understood the hearts of children and youth, even in homes that do not believe in Hindutva or the BJP’s thoughts. From this, many Modi opponents are seen isolated in their homes. For some, the teacher in him is dear, while some are fans of his straightforward speaking style and explosive work. Women appear to bow before his achievements. That’s why the conscious forces in this country have experienced that the result, the atmosphere of the elections in that state, changes due to any of his road shows. By using modern technology, he has reached many homes through social media. Even with his one distant word or with his face-to-face darshan, the feeling of ‘I am blessed’ appears on the face of the person in front, not for nothing!
Balasaheb’s words were taken as proof
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s third Sarsanghchalak, Balasaheb Deoras, once said something that became a turning point. The pracharak Narendra Modi, who was deeply involved in Sangh work, immediately devoted himself to the work of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Rameshbhai Mehta, a senior activist of the Sangh Parivar and a close associate of Narendra Modi, has served as an office-bearer of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Seva Bharati, and other organisations. His wife, Kirtida, was regarded as Modi’s sister. Their apartment in Juhu, Mumbai, stands witness to a historic event. Following the instructions of Balasaheb Deoras, two Sangh pracharak – Narendra Modi and Madhubhai Kulkarni -visited Rameshbhai Mehta’s residence to meet him. According to Kirtida, there must have been an intense discussion among the three inside the room where Deoras was staying. When they came out, Madhubhai and Narendrabhai bid their hosts farewell, politely declining the Mehta couple’s request to stay for dinner, saying, “Aaj nahi, fir kabhi.” The Mehtas were puzzled – why did Modi, who was usually cheerful and conversational, leave without his usual banter or meal? Within two or three days, the mystery was solved when a newspaper in Gujarat reported: “Narendra Modi moves from the Sangh to the BJP!”
There is a vast difference between the life of a pracharak and that of a political leader. A pracharak must do everything with simplicity, while in politics, money and influence often rule. Yet, amid these contrasts, Modi revealed the diamond within him. By fulfilling every responsibility entrusted to him, he earned admiration in Delhi, brought fame to Gandhinagar, and captivated audiences in America, Japan, and France.
A true pracharak makes his presence felt wherever he goes – often blending in like sugar in milk. In the same way, Modi entered politics carrying the essence of a pracharak, became one among them, and left an indelible mark on Bharat and the world through his work.
Blasted the dominance of the media
Criticisms were also made of Modi during this period. The biggest objection about him was that he avoids the media and media representatives. Its clarification also came later. After the Gujarat riots, when he was blamed and he saw the involvement of some people in the media and media groups in the conspiracy to hold him responsible for these riots, then he focused on his work, avoiding the media and completed the works he took one after another. He abolished the practice of files in the Prime Minister’s Office not moving forward without media. He ignored the dominance of the media on administration. Developed an independent working method for the PMO office. Clipped the wings of those who leak cabinet decisions to the media. Clipped the luxurious tours of media representatives with the Prime Minister and central ministers. Strengthened the hands of Prasar Bharati and fixed the responsibility of journalists going on foreign tours.
Objections about Modi
The objection that Modi deliberately keeps some leaders in the party away has been on him since earlier. It has not been removed yet. From Gujarat to Delhi, he has not been able to curb this nature. The murmur going on in the public mind about this may not be reaching his ears. But from this, a negative message about the party goes, this needs to be underlined.
Ignited the spark of nationalism
When the country celebrated the Amrit Mahotsav of independence, during that time, Modi ignited the spark of nationalism in citizens from Kashmir to Kanyakumari by running the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. He took yoga from our country across borders and got recognition from the United Nations for International Yoga Day. When the economies of many countries around the world were faltering during the COVID-19 period, Bharat sought opportunities in medicine manufacturing and export. Provided corona preventive vaccines to many countries, distributed pills, exported life-saving systems, and established a record in the export of PPE kits, which were never manufactured in Bharat before. Whether it is establishing satellites in space or purchasing state-of-the-art weapons, submarines, and aircraft for Bharat, he did all that and made arrangements so that countries like China and Pakistan do not walk with puffed chests in front of Bharat. The drum he beat for self-reliance in military armament manufacturing became loud due to Nagpuri Nagastra, everyone knows this information. He also curbed cross-border terrorism. He broke the unwarranted opposition to development projects like Sardar Sarovar by urban Naxalites along with environmentalists. Modi achieved the feat of isolating Pakistan even in the group of co-religionist countries. By strengthening business relations with many Islamic countries, he made a permanent friendship with those countries. Some Muslim countries even conferred their highest honour on Modi. When Muslims in Bharat were not ready for compromise on Ram Mandir, he built a huge ISKCON temple in the United Arab Emirates, igniting the flame of Sanatan tradition in the Sheikhs (Arab’s) there.
Rashtriya swayamsevak Sangh’s centenary
This is the centenary year of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. On this occasion, he said from the Red Fort that the Sangh is a workshop for character building and also showered praise on the Sangh in Mann Ki Baat. From time to time, by mentioning the sacrifices made by Sangh workers, he noted how much effort it took for the expansion of Sangh. He also mentioned that the journey of the Sangh from character building to nation building goes through regular shakhas. He did not forget to clarify the ideology of the Sangh founders that when every citizen becomes aware of their duties, then this nation will prosper. He clearly mentions the quality of mass mobilisation of Doctor Hedgewar. The ground of Sangh shakha is a place of inspiration, and here the journey of swayamsevaks from “aham” to “vayam” begins. Sangh shakhas are altars of sacrifice for character building.
Innovative concepts
The announcements made by Modi are extraordinary, and through these announcements, a clear message reaches the people. From the slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,” it is evident what he aims to achieve for Bharat. However, the opponents are not satisfied with this. Their usual refrain continues — “Modi did not create employment but snatched it away, closed industries, increased the problems of minorities, raised unemployment, he snached rights of Dalits, oppressed and deprived them, and wants to change the Constitution.” These accusations go on endlessly. Now, the people have to decide whether Modi speaks the truth or the opponents’ accusations do. Atmanirbhar Bharat is another extraordinary idea of Modi, yet even this has faced criticism. The opposition mocks it, saying that the youth began selling pakodas and tea — is that self-reliance? Such remarks must be called immature.
During the Corona pandemic, many people embraced the mantra of self-reliance and managed to steer their lives through the crisis. Through the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the message of cleanliness that Modi gave reached every household, and Bharatwasi began to understand its importance. The announcement of Make in Bharat also had a significant impact, though it too faced criticism. But our technicians, scientists, engineers, and teachers dispelled the doubts of the critics by achieving excellence in indigenous rocket technology, satellite manufacturing, shipbuilding, armament production, and research, thereby strengthening Bharat’s global presence. The youth enthusiastically embraced his idea of startups, and today, within just five to six years, many startup entrepreneurs have joined the ranks of the country’s crorepati industrialists.
Wishes to Gadkari’s journey too!
Whether it is the issue of triple talaq, the question of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya or Article 370 and 35A in the constitution, decisions were made during Modi’s tenure. He freed Muslim women from suppression and made their voices strong. By resolving the Ram Mandir issue, he gave a decisive turn to the struggle of about 475 years. Terrorism in Kashmir was given a handful of dust only because Articles 370 and 35A in the constitution were declared invalid. The Modi government’s decision to relax the conditions for giving Bhartiya citizenship to persecuted minorities i.e. Parsi, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, turned out to be one that made the rulers of those countries burn with anger. Demonetisation turned out to be an event in Modi’s tenure in the category of never before, never after. As black money was controlled through this, the hawala racket was also curbed. Mainly, this decision played a big role in curbing terrorism in the country. Only Modi can take such a daring decision that can create danger to life. One has to mention so many initiatives like his insistence on toilets, Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Ujjwala Gas Yojana, while reviewing Modi’s career. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari weaved a network of roads in the country and earned the title of ‘Spiderman’. Modi’s best wishes have always been for Gadkari’s this journey.
Due to the special policy adopted by the central government against Naxalites, there has been a 77 per cent decrease in violent incidents related to Naxalism. The leap Bharat has taken in digitisation has made the world put its fingers in its mouth. The insistence Modi has on the use of khadi has turned out to be watering down the Swadeshi movement.
Sangh gave two Prime Ministers
If someone asks what the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has given to the country, then every person will give different answers according to their knowledge. But one answer will be on everyone’s tongue, and that is the Sangh has given two Prime Ministers to the country. The first Swayamsevak Prime Minister is Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and the second Swayamsevak Prime Minister is Narendra Modi. Both have played a crucial role in bringing Bharat out of colonial mentality. The decisions taken by these two as Prime Ministers were discussed, as well as their decisions from the role of Swayamsevak, also turned out to be undisputed.
The foundation of new leadership in the Bhartiya Janata Party also happened during Modi’s tenure. Giving Lok Sabha candidacy to leaders who were not even in anyone’s mind, giving opportunity to young ones by sidelining the traditional selection method for Chief Minister, the ‘Modi’ touch is felt without fail in the selection of governors and appointments to various administrative and constitutional posts. From this, many times the accusation of autocracy on Modi’s working style has been in a low voice from the party and in a high voice from opponents. But Modi is not seen getting into the mess of answering any such accusations.
BJP’s graph rose
During Modi’s tenure itself, the graph of Bhartiya Janata Party has risen. Today, governments of the BJP and allied parties exist in as many as 20 states, and the party has performed well in West Bengal too. Plans have been made to create its influence in southern states. The journey of the Bhartiya Janata Party in the pre-Modi and post-Modi eras is worth studying. Of course, the contribution of the efforts taken by leaders of Jan Sangh and earlier Janata Party in the progress of the party in Modi’s era cannot be denied. Today’s performance of the BJP is eye-filling. When the country celebrates the centenary festival of independence in 2047, its identity will be a powerful, self-sufficient and self-reliant Bharat on the world map, this is Modi’s dream. There is no doubt that Modi will take some more concrete steps to realise such dreams. After assuming the reins of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi gave a boost to Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts while addressing the nation on the first Independence Day. He had expressed optimism that our Bharat Mata will be seated in the position of Jagadguru. Modi is there, then what seems impossible is also possible; this is worth noting here. On this background, while reviewing his performance of the last 24 years in power, it would be appropriate to give the best wishes that his optimism reaches completion.
Comments