Modi Marks 25 Years As Head Of Government, Says People Are His 'God'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked 25 years since he first assumed public office as Gujarat Chief Minister, saying those who stood by him demonstrated the power of faith, while those who opposed him taught him the power of democracy. "Well-wishers encouraged me, critics taught me to look within," Modi said, adding that he had never felt alone as there were countless 'swayamsevaks' who were guardians of India's cultural soul.

Modi took oath as Gujarat chief minister on October 7, 2001, and has since served continuously as the head of a government, first in Gujarat and later as Prime Minister.

Addressing the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha' organised as part of the BJP's 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', Modi expressed gratitude to the people, the BJP, the NDA and political colleagues for their faith in democracy.

"Seva hi dharm hai" (service is duty), the 76-year-old Prime Minister said, adding that he "lives for mission, not ambition".

Modi Links Public Service To People's Trust

Reflecting on his public service journey, Modi said his responsibilities stemmed from the trust placed in him by the people.

"May God give me the strength to work for my country with even greater energy and serve my fellow citizens day and night. Whatever I am today, wherever I am, and whatever responsibility I hold, it is because of the people. For me, the people are God," he said.

Modi said the country had given him a great deal and, consequently, he believed he had an even greater responsibility towards it.

"The country has given me so much, and therefore, my responsibility towards the nation is also the greatest. I sincerely believe that the citizens of the country have the greatest right over me," he said.

Recalling Lessons From Early Years

Recalling his school days in Vadnagar, Modi said his eagerness to learn had remained with him throughout his life.

"I was always among the students who reached the class first. That eagerness to learn became a part of my life. Even today, I consider myself a student... The more I learn, the greater my ability will be to do something for the country," he said.

He also said criticism had played a role in shaping his approach, helping him reflect on himself.

Earthquake, Chandrayaan And Covid Recalled

He recalled several events that shaped his approach to governance, including the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, the Chandrayaan mission and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister said the earthquake taught him the importance of remaining steadfast during reconstruction, while Chandrayaan taught him to rise from failure. The Covid crisis, he said, highlighted the importance of the country's collective consciousness.

Cultural Heritage As Source Of Strength

Referring to India's civilisational heritage, Modi said the country's cultural traditions and philosophical traditions had provided him strength throughout his public life.

"From the Vedas to Vivekananda, the nation that has continuously practised great thoughts, the nation whose cultural heritage spans thousands of years, the nation that restored humanity's faith in mankind -- while serving such a nation, I have never once felt alone," he said.

He added that countless 'swayamsevaks' had remained guardians of India's cultural soul.

Modi Reiterates Vision For 2047

He said the 25-year milestone was not merely an occasion to look back but an opportunity to renew his commitment to the future.

"We will achieve it; we will do it," Modi said, referring to his vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, hosting the Olympics and India's future ambitions in space.

Celebrations marking the milestone have included programmes in Gujarat and Varanasi as part of the BJP's 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan'.

The yatra, which began on September 17, has covered different parts of the country and will conclude with thousands of Seva Yatris, BJYM workers and young citizens at two centres closely associated with Modi's life and spiritual journey.

In Varanasi, the Seva Yatris will conclude their journey with Jalabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Dham, seeking the blessings of Baba Vishwanath. The closing ceremony is expected to draw a large gathering of youngsters and Seva Yatris.

BJP president Nitin Nabin, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJYM president Hemang Joshi are scheduled to address the gathering and speak about the significance of 'seva' in public life and Modi's political journey.