The North News
New Delhi, October 7
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the people of India as he entered the 25th year of serving as the head of a government, reflecting on his journey from Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 to leading the country as Prime Minister. In a series of social media posts, Modi recalled taking oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat on this day in 2001, a time when the state was reeling from a devastating earthquake, a super cyclone, successive droughts, and political instability. “Those challenges strengthened my resolve to serve the people and rebuild Gujarat with renewed vigour and hope,” he said.
He remembered his late mother’s words from that day: “Always work for the poor and never take a bribe.” Modi said those values have guided his approach to governance, ensuring every action is driven by integrity and the aim of reaching “the last person in the queue.”
Reflecting on his tenure in Gujarat, Modi said the state’s transformation from a drought-prone, economically struggling region to a model of good governance was a result of collective effort. “When I took over, people believed Gujarat could never rise again,” he said. “Farmers lacked power and water, agriculture was in crisis, and industrial growth was stagnant. But together, we made Gujarat a powerhouse of progress.”
Under his leadership, he said, Gujarat emerged as one of India’s top-performing states in agriculture, industry, and infrastructure. “Regular curfews became a thing of the past, and the state witnessed social and physical development like never before,” he added.
Modi said his transition from Gujarat’s leadership to becoming Prime Ministerial candidate in 2013 came at a time when the nation faced a “crisis of trust and governance.” He claimed the people’s mandate in 2014 marked a turning point that restored India’s confidence and global stature.
Highlighting achievements of the past 11 years, he said over 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, while India’s economy has emerged as a “bright spot among global powers.” He credited “Nari Shakti (women), Yuva Shakti (youth)” and “Annadatas (farmers)” for driving the nation’s progress.
India’s journey toward self-reliance, Modi said, is reflected in the growing sentiment of “Garv Se Kaho, Yeh Swadeshi Hai” (Say with pride, this is made in India). He noted that the government’s reforms in manufacturing, social welfare, and agriculture have strengthened the foundation of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Expressing gratitude for the people’s continued trust, Modi said serving the nation remains his highest honour. “Guided by the values of our Constitution, I will continue working even harder to realise our collective dream of a Viksit Bharat (developed India),” he said.
“These 25 years have been filled with many experiences. Together, we have made remarkable strides,” the Prime Minister wrote, pledging to keep his focus on improving the lives of India’s citizens and contributing to the nation’s progress.
