Twenty-five years of public service is not an opportunity for self-promotion, but a day to reaffirm India's resolve: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday, marking the completion of 25 years as the chief of the Gujarat and central governments, that this journey is not an occasion for personal publicity, but rather an opportunity to move forward with new resolve and fresh energy for the nation. Speaking at the "Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha" here on the occasion of completing 25 consecutive years as the head of government, Mr. Modi reiterated the commitment to making India a developed nation by 2047, building an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), and turning India into a global manufacturing hub. He stated, "We will do it… We will do it." The people present with the Prime Minister also chanted the slogan. He said that the 1.4 billion people of India will collectively ensure the creation of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, and the country is not going to stop. He noted that when he took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, he had never imagined that he would reach the milestone of completing 25 consecutive years as the head of government. He attributed this long journey to the trust, prayers, and cooperation of the people. The Prime Minister said that everyone who stood with him in life gave him the power of confidence. Those who made him win taught him humility, and those who made him fall taught him to stand up and move forward. Well-wishers encouraged him, while critics gave him the opportunity to look within. He stated that every crisis tested his patience and every success strengthened his sense of responsibility. The Prime Minister said that no event in his life was wasted; every incident taught him something. The coronavirus pandemic gave him awareness of the importance of the nation and collective strength, while villages and the poor taught him that resources may be limited, but dreams should be big and spirits high. He said that while serving a nation with thousands of years of cultural experience, he never felt alone. Paying tribute to the country's crores of volunteers and workers, he said that the purpose of his life is the selfless service of "Mother India," and he has always received full support from such volunteers. Mr. Modi said that this 25-year journey cannot be limited to memories of the past. This day is about taking new vows and gaining fresh energy to fulfill those promises and intentions. He said that from the Red Fort, he had spoken of "Sabka Prayas" (effort of all), and this same collective spirit is needed to take India to new heights. Mentioning goals such as Viksit Bharat-2047, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and making India a global manufacturing hub, the Prime Minister said that a confidence runs in the veins of the country's people that no one can stop. Recalling the early days of his political journey, he said that 25 years ago, when he took on the responsibility of Gujarat at the age of 50, his life was primarily dedicated to organizational work. He said that if he had desired to advance in electoral politics, he could have entered the electoral arena much earlier, but he never thought about what he would become in life. The education he received since childhood was that life is for the purpose. Therefore, he carried out whatever responsibility he was given. He said, "Karma is my religion." Referring to the "Karma Yoga" of the Gita, the Prime Minister said that for him, work is not just a responsibility but a sadhana (spiritual practice) for the country. Working continuously without regard for personal gain for the country and its citizens has been his path. The Prime Minister said that when it comes to the nation, power, position, and honor lose their importance. Position and honor may be obtained, but a pure land like India cannot be found. He said that the opportunity to serve the India that sent a message to all humanity even in difficult times is invaluable. He stated that his assessment over the 25 years should be based on where the country has reached during this period. As the Chief Minister of Gujarat, his mantra was that the development of Gujarat should go hand in hand with the development of the country. Although he may not have had experience in running a government at that time, he had the trust of the people. He said that relying on the power of the people was the essence of his years of work, and policies were formulated and implemented by taking the people along. He described this spirit as the mantra of "We will do it." Mr. Modi, while mentioning the development of Gujarat, said that efforts made with the people's support yielded results, and Gujarat demonstrated its capabilities in many sectors. He said that the lessons learned from Gujarat are still useful in his work. In 2014, the country gave him a larger scope of service as "Pradhan Sevak" (Chief Servant). At that time, the country faced serious challenges, inflation was rising, and there was an atmosphere of disappointment in the country. He said that even then, he maintained confidence before his compatriots that India would overcome these challenges and move forward with the resolve of "We will do it." The Prime Minister claimed that in the last 12 years, the picture of the country has completely changed.

In the past, any major crisis would adversely affect the Indian economy, whereas today, the world discusses India’s capabilities and economy amidst global crises. Citing India’s successes in solar energy, agricultural development, and other sectors, he stated that the decade from 2015 to 2025 has been significant for the growth of the agricultural sector. He remarked that when intentions are pure and policies are clear, results follow. He noted that “Sabh Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas” (Together with all, development for all) has remained the government’s fundamental principle. He observed that there has been a trend to divide society by vote counts for political purposes, but issues regarding water, electricity, roads, or other basic amenities do not belong to a single class. If the problem is everyone’s, the solution must also be for everyone. He stated that the government has endeavored to move forward with all classes, ensuring that no one’s rights are violated. The Prime Minister said that India must set ambitious goals to restore its ancient dignity. Referring to the visions of Swami Vivekananda and Maharishi Arunodaya regarding India’s bright future, he stated that due to the austerities and sacrifices of the nation’s great leaders, the country now possesses the confidence to dream big and fulfill those dreams. He asserted that justice will be served to “Ma Bharati” (Mother India) only when the country is no longer limited to small goals, and must set extraordinary objectives such as Viksit Bharat (Developed India), Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), and the complete eradication of poverty.