Paromita Das
New Delhi, 17th September: Seventy-five years ago, in the bustling streets of Gujarat’s Mehsana district, few could have predicted that a boy helping his father at a railway tea stall would one day stand at the helm of the world’s most populous democracy. Narendra Modi’s journey is not merely a testament to personal perseverance, but also a reflection of Bharat’s shifting aspirations, political reinvention, and ongoing drive for global relevance. As Modi turns 75 and enters his third term as Prime Minister, his life and leadership exemplify the energy and ambition that have come to define modern Bharat.
From Humble Beginnings to Political Vanguard
Modi’s early story is etched in simplicity and struggle. Born in 1950 into a lower-middle-class family, his formative years were marked by hard work and discipline. Those values followed him as he became associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a stepping stone into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). By the 1990s, Modi had already earned a reputation as a sharp strategist, helping the BJP gain its first foothold in Gujarat.
The decisive turning point arrived in 2001, when Modi was appointed Chief Minister of Gujarat. He inherited a state in crisis, grappling with both natural disaster and social turmoil. His tenure was initially overshadowed by the 2002 riots, but Modi focused on economic recovery and large-scale development, revolutionizing Gujarat’s investment climate. Programs like the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and rural electrification initiatives became models of governance that propelled both economic growth and political stature.
National Leadership and Ambitious Reforms
2014 marked the beginning of a new era as Modi led the BJP to a resounding victory in the general elections, becoming the first Bharatiya Prime Minister born after Independence. Arriving in Delhi on a wave of expectations, Modi promised “minimum government, maximum governance.” His leadership swiftly shifted gears from slogans to policy action.
Notable among his achievements are the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which turned sanitation into a national mission; Make in India, aimed at shifting Bharat’s global brand from services to manufacturing; and the Digital India campaign, which advanced technology and connectivity to the grassroots. Jan Dhan Yojana, a drive for financial inclusion, opened millions of no-frills bank accounts, bringing millions into the economic mainstream.
His tenure also introduced bold reforms: the Goods and Services Tax (GST) unified the nation’s market, while demonetization targeted the informal economy—though the move remains divisive. Modi’s government spearheaded social programs like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat, expanding access to housing and healthcare for the underprivileged.
Decisive Actions on National and Global Stages
Narendra Modi’s style has been defined by decisive action. He demonstrated this with the abrogation of Article 370, integrating Jammu and Kashmir more firmly into the Bharatiya union, and with the resolution of the Ram Mandir issue in Ayodhya. Legislation that outlawed triple talaq reflected his readiness to break with the status quo, drawing both admiration and criticism.
Internationally, Modi has recast Bharat as a key global actor. Active participation at the G20, leadership in climate initiatives, and closer cooperation with countries in the Quad and BRICS have elevated Bharat’s diplomatic profile. His outreach to the Bharatiya diaspora and engagement with world leaders have positioned Bharat as both a confident regional power and an emerging voice on the world stage.
Social Policies and the Pursuit of Inclusive Growth
Modi’s governance has often focused on long-term social transformation. The Ujjwala Yojana, which has provided millions of rural households with clean cooking fuel, and the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, aimed at changing attitudes toward the girl child, have made empowerment a central theme. Direct cash transfers and digital platforms have fostered greater inclusion and transparency, modernizing both welfare delivery and governance.
Rural infrastructure, agricultural subsidies, and investment in youth entrepreneurship have combined to address the aspirations of those traditionally left out of Bharat’s growth story. Modi has consistently underscored that Bharat’s future rests on empowering its women, farmers, and young people.
The Modi Persona: Discipline, Communication, and Connection
A significant part of Modi’s influence lies in his persona—disciplined, frugal, and spiritually rooted. A practitioner of yoga and meditation, he often attributes his stamina and focus to a simple lifestyle. Modi’s rhetorical style—memorable slogans, relatable anecdotes, and a blend of tradition with technological aspiration—has enabled unmatched mass connect. Campaigns like “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and “Viksit Bharat by 2047” make complex policy visions accessible to every citizen.
Legacy and Controversy
Modi’s supporters see him as a once-in-a-generation leader who has revived Bharatiya self-confidence, modernized infrastructure, and propelled Bharat closer to superpower status. Critics point to growing centralization, fervent nationalism, and social polarization. But even they admit his ability to shape national discourse and electoral outcomes is unparalleled in contemporary Bharat.
A Milestone and a Movement
As Narendra Modi celebrates his 75th birthday, his journey from an ordinary childhood to extraordinary leadership embodies Bharat’s potential for reinvention and ambition. His tenure has redefined governance, shifted global perceptions, and raised expectations for what Bharat can achieve. Whether history deems him a reformer or a polarizer, there is no denying that Modi has left an indelible mark on the nation’s psyche. His story, at 75, is both a personal milestone and a new chapter in Bharat’s pursuit of progress.
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