Twelve years of dedication, a legacy of achievement
TJust days before the completion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12-year term, two significant events occurred: Modi received accolades from Norway’s Royal Norwegian Order of Merit and Sweden’s prestigious Royal Order of the Pole Star. In the past 12 years, Mr Modi has been awarded 32 international awards.
This great son of India has been consistently honored by his homeland, besides receiving the highest civilian decorations from nearly 20 countries. This honor is shared by Mr. Modi as well as the country’s 1.4 billion citizens. These are the same people who have staunchly supported Mr Modi in three consecutive elections. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s leadership has received support from the international community.
Mr. Modi’s Prime Ministership and the fact that his government has been in office for 12 years is a direct indication of the public’s unwavering faith in him. Even the most successful leaders have difficulty earning such trust. It’s much harder to maintain that and watch it grow stronger every day. This is what Mr Modi has achieved. Underlying everything is his unwavering devotion to his country, his strong belief in his philosophy and his diligent work ethic; this keeps him busy and motivates others to try too.
Mr. Modi has set an example of what leadership should be; first as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for 13 consecutive years and now as the Chief Minister for 12 consecutive years. It is not an easy task to be constantly busy fulfilling the aspirations of the people for a total of 25 years.
He’s not the type to get tired, stop or take a break. For this reason, he has served the country continuously for the last 12 years, without taking a single day off. No other leader is more obliged than Mr. Modi, who immediately returned to serve the country after performing his mother’s last rites. He recently chaired an important marathon meeting of the Council of Ministers in New Delhi soon after returning to the national capital from a grueling five-nation diplomatic tour.
As he took the oath of office as Prime Minister in the Rashtrapati Bhavan courtyard in 2014, a New India was emerging. Mr. Modi was aware of the wishes and aspirations of the people while taking oath. Even today, 12 years later, he maintains deep ties with ordinary citizens.
All-round development
During these 12 years, India has made progress in every direction under Mr. Modi’s leadership. India’s voice has become stronger around the world. We are witnessing the all-round development of the country. This is why the people of India bless Mr. Modi through votes in every election.
As a constituent of the National Democratic Alliance, the Shiv Sena has always supported Mr Modi. The only exception was the period when the then party leadership deviated from the ideals of respected Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and adopted an unethical path. However, in June 2022, we Shiv Sainiks rejected this immorality and supported Mr. Modi once again.
Mr. Modi’s tremendous work energy, extraordinary decision-making ability and capacity to take firm decisions no matter how difficult the issue or how unfavorable the circumstances are remarkable qualities. It also ensures that these decisions are implemented meticulously.
Be it the abrogation of Article 370, the construction of the Ram Temple, the triple talaq law, surgical strikes for national security or Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam attack, he took all these bold steps and took full responsibility for these decisions.
The opposition criticizes him. They have little to do. Their tendency is not to achieve anything on their own, but to hinder those who are trying to do something. However, when it comes to Mr. Modi, the Opposition cannot even think of making accusations against him. This is the perfect nature of tenure.
Many important decisions initially seemed difficult to implement. However, his attitude has always been to think long term and prioritize the interests of the nation. Implementing GST and making the concept of “One Nation, One Tax” a reality was not easy. It required changing the taxation system that had existed for decades. But Mr. Modi brought all the states together and implemented this revolutionary economic reform.
He initiated major changes in the education sector with the New National Education Policy. The policy espouses the vision of skill-based education, priority to mother tongue and world-class learning opportunities. He correctly recognized that modernization of education was essential to realize the dream of a developed India.
He also made important decisions regarding the empowerment of women. It has given new impetus to women’s participation in society by providing more opportunities for women in the armed forces and through initiatives such as the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign. He did not mention the introduction of a women-only reservation bill in Parliament; took concrete steps. However, due to the narrow-minded attitude of the opposition, the bill could not become law.
Direct financial assistance was provided to farmers through the Prime Minister-Kisan Samman Nidhi programme. Earlier, welfare schemes generally remained on paper, but Mr Modi ensured their implementation. Direct Benefit Transfer helped prevent corruption. So far, aid has been directly deposited into the accounts of millions of farmers across the country.
New power to national security
It has given new strength to national security by investing heavily in border infrastructure. Roads, bridges and tunnels were built in long-neglected border areas. He worked to make India self-reliant in arms production by emphasizing “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in the defense sector.
During the terrible COVID-19 pandemic period when the entire world was confused and struggling, Mr. Modi provided strong leadership and assurance to the nation. It ensured food security for the poor. Vaccination was given free of charge. It has also established India as a strong alternative in the pharmaceutical industry. India has supplied vaccines to many countries. This wasn’t just foreign policy; It was a renewed demonstration of India’s human values to the world.
He gave the nation a grand vision of ‘Developed India’ and ‘Self-Reliant India’. He showed the way to achieve this and laid a strong foundation for it. The country is now becoming increasingly digital. Internet connection has reached villages. India has become one of the largest digital economies in the world through the Digital India campaign.
Programs such as Prime Minister Mudra Yojana, Udyogini Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana for women have been successfully implemented. Initiatives such as the Prime Ministry Employment Generation Program and Startup India have been launched for the youth. A new education policy was introduced. Farmers have been empowered in various ways through PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Kisan Credit Cards and other measures. The Modi government has introduced the Atmanirbhar Bharat package along with various schemes to improve ease of doing business. He also launched ambitious programs like PM GatiShakti and National Industrial Corridor.
India has witnessed unprecedented progress in infrastructure development. The highways and motorways network expanded. The doubling of railway lines and electrification are progressing rapidly. Metro services reached 23 cities. The number of operational airports has doubled. Vande Bharat trains brought new speed and efficiency. Railway stations are being extensively redeveloped. Projects like Atal Setu, metro projects, Samruddhi Expressway, Coastal Road and Jal Jeevan Mission were made possible thanks to the support provided by the Prime Minister.
The world now sees India as a safe destination for investment. Thanks to concepts like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, India is also gaining strength in the manufacturing sector. India stands with greater confidence on the global stage. India has demonstrated its leadership through forums like G-20. India’s voice in foreign policy has become more influential and its international relations have strengthened.
Before 2014, the country was directionless. Mr. Modi gave him the right direction. He gave the nation a stable, strong and determined government. He gave voice to India’s identity and pride. One of the happiest moments for us was Mr. Modi’s decision to grant Classical Language status to Marathi, which was pending for many years.
The issues raised by Mr. Modi are becoming topics of discussion across the country, and citizens are thinking seriously about them. A recent example is the positive response from all segments of society to the call for austerity in the context of current global conflicts.
Versatile personality
Mr Modi’s personality has many facets. Among these, his emotional sensitivity and fatherly nature are particularly touching. Even though he held such a high position, he retained his humanity and compassion, and this was clearly seen on many occasions.
One such incident occurred in 2019. ISRO chief K. Sivan became quite emotional after the setback faced by the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Mr Modi embraced him, consoled him and assured him that the entire nation was behind him.
There is another incident that happened recently. I was one of the many leaders who took to the stage at the swearing-in ceremony of the government in Kolkata. I said ““namaskar” To Mr Modi. He immediately asked me how I was. A few days ago, my helicopter went off course due to severe weather conditions. Remembering that incident, he specifically asked me and asked me to travel carefully. He remembered the topic and took the time to research it despite his incredibly busy schedule. That’s what makes it so brilliant.
He has great empathy towards the citizens of our nation and shows this sensitivity to everyone. That is why Mr. Modi is incredibly loved by the common people. We have no doubt that the management will achieve much more important work in the coming years under his masterful leadership.
Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra
