New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked 25 years as head of a government on Wednesday, reflecting on the experiences, crises and lessons that have shaped his political journey since he became Gujarat chief minister on October 7, 2001.
At a BJP event marking the milestone, Modi said his approach to public life has been guided by service, learning and what he described as a commitment to the nation.
“Seva Hi Dharm Hai”
Modi said, “Seva hi dharm hai” (service is duty), and added that he “lives for mission, not ambition.” He thanked citizens, the BJP, NDA and political colleagues for their trust, saying 25 years had been possible because of people’s support.
School Days And Learning
Recalling his childhood in Vadnagar, Modi said he was among the students who arrived early at school. He said that eagerness to learn remained part of his life and that he still considers himself a student, trying to learn something new every day.
Critics Also Became Teachers
Looking back, Modi said supporters gave him confidence while critics encouraged introspection. He said difficult experiences taught him humility and resilience, while every crisis tested his patience and every achievement increased his sense of responsibility.
Bhuj Earthquake Taught Reconstruction
Modi specifically recalled the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, saying the disaster taught him to remain steadfast during reconstruction. When he became Gujarat chief minister, the state was also dealing with drought, a cyclone and political instability. He said those circumstances strengthened his resolve to rebuild Gujarat.
Chandrayaan And Covid
Modi said the Chandrayaan mission taught him to rise after failure, while the Covid crisis highlighted the importance of collective national consciousness. The Union Cabinet has also cited India’s Covid vaccine development and Chandrayaan-3’s lunar landing among major milestones of his tenure.
Media And Public Life
Modi acknowledged the media for inspiring him to move forward through both positive and difficult experiences. He also said India’s civilisational heritage, from the Vedas to Swami Vivekananda, gave him strength while serving the country.
“We Will Do It”
Turning the anniversary into a forward-looking message, Modi called for renewed resolve rather than merely remembering the past.
He outlined goals including making India a developed nation by 2047, becoming a top-three economy, achieving greater self-reliance, becoming a global manufacturing hub, hosting the Olympics and sending Indians into space.
A New Resolve For 2047
Modi repeatedly told the gathering, “We will do it,” as supporters echoed the slogan. He said the energy and confidence behind these ambitions should drive India’s development journey towards 2047.
