Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of India as he entered his 25th year of serving as the head of a government, a journey that began when he took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001.
In a series of posts on X, the Prime Minister reflected on his tenure, stating that it has been his “constant endeavour to improve lives and contribute to the nation’s progress”.
Recalling his early days as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Modi highlighted the challenging circumstances under which he assumed office. In 2001, Gujarat was reeling from a massive earthquake, the aftereffects of a super cyclone, successive droughts, and years of political instability.
He noted, “Those challenges strengthened the resolve to serve people and rebuild Gujarat with renewed vigour and hope.” Modi also shared a personal guiding principle, inspired by his mother’s advice to always work for the poor and never accept bribes, which he said continues to shape his approach to governance.
Reflecting on Gujarat’s transformation during his tenure as Chief Minister, Modi recalled the widespread skepticism at the time, with many believing the state could never recover. He described the dire situation, where farmers faced shortages of power and water, agriculture was struggling, and industrial growth was stagnant.
However, through collective efforts, he said, “Gujarat transformed into a powerhouse of good governance. The state became a top performer in agriculture, trading expanded into manufacturing, industrial capacities grew, and social and physical infrastructure received a boost.”
Modi also looked back on his transition to national leadership, noting that he was named the Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections during a period of national crisis marked by a lack of trust and governance. He stated, “The people of India gave a thumping majority to our alliance and an absolute majority to our party, ushering in an era of renewed confidence and purpose.”
Over the past 11 years as Prime Minister, Modi highlighted significant achievements, including lifting over 25 crore people out of poverty and implementing initiatives that have empowered women, youth, and farmers. He emphasised India’s emergence as a bright spot among major global economies, supported by extensive healthcare and social security schemes. Additionally, he underscored the push for self-reliance, encapsulated in the call of “Garv Se Kaho, Yeh Swadeshi Hai,” promoting pride in indigenous products and capabilities.
Expressing deep gratitude to the citizens of India, Modi concluded, “To serve the nation is the highest honour. Guided by the values of our Constitution, I reaffirm my commitment to work even harder to realise the collective dream of a Viksit Bharat.” His reflections highlight a journey of resilience, transformation, and dedication to nation-building, with a renewed pledge to advance India’s development goals by 2047.
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