Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone on Wednesday, celebrating 25 years of continuous public service with a speech at the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’ in New Delhi. Reflecting on his journey, Modi credited the trust and support of the citizens as fundamental to his political career, which began when he assumed the role of Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001.
During his address, Modi expressed gratitude to both supporters and critics, acknowledging their roles in shaping his experiences. He noted that while supporters encouraged him, critics provided important lessons by challenging him to introspect and overcome obstacles. “Those who brought me down taught me how to rise again,” Modi remarked, emphasizing the dual influence on his leadership journey.
The Prime Minister reiterated his vision of a developed India by 2047, stressing the need for collective efforts and self-reliance to position India among the world’s top three economies. He called on citizens to unite in achieving these goals, highlighting their role as the country’s greatest strength. Modi expressed deep appreciation for the trust placed in him by the people and acknowledged the contributions of BJP workers and others who supported his public service journey. “For me, people are God,” he stated, underscoring the importance of serving humanity and advancing the nation together.
Modi also shared his personal commitment to lifelong learning, recalling his school days and describing himself as perpetually eager to learn new things. “Even today, I consider myself a student,” he said, illustrating how this mindset has fueled his public career.
In a nod to India’s growing capabilities in aviation, Modi mentioned Indian pilot Smit Machchhar’s bravery during an incident involving a flydubai flight and expressed confidence in India’s potential to manufacture aircraft domestically in the future. Concluding his address, Modi called for continued collective efforts to build a stronger, self-reliant India by 2047, reinforcing his commitment to the nation’s development goals.