On June 10, 2026, India wrote a new chapter in its democratic history as Mr. Narendra Modi completed 4,399 days of uninterrupted service as Prime Minister, becoming India’s longest serving elected Prime Minister to hold the post continuously. This historic milestone not only reflects his unwavering commitment towards nation-building, but also reflects the enduring faith and trust that the people of India have placed in his visionary leadership. It is a reflection of his visionary leadership, tireless commitment to national development and steadfast dedication to the welfare and aspirations of the people of India.
Transformational Leadership: 4,399 Days and Counting
As the Prime Servant of the Nation, Shri Narendra Modiji has ushered in an era of unprecedented transformation in India, guided by the principles of good governance and Nation First. Just as history honors Abraham Lincoln for his steadfast leadership in ending the scourge of human slavery and restoring dignity to millions of people, future generations will remember him for lifting more than 250 million poor people out of absolute poverty. Through his vision, tireless efforts and transformative governance, countless families have been empowered with opportunity, dignity and hope, enabling them to embrace economic freedom and the promise of a better future. His contribution will remain in the annals of history as a historic achievement in the service of mankind.
Furthermore, his transformative initiatives have ensured dignity and social security for millions of people through education, housing, sanitation, health care and food security. One of the world’s largest public health programmes, Ayushman Bharat Yojana has provided assurance of quality health care to more than 44 crore citizens. Through Jal Jeevan Mission, more than 12 crore rural households have gained access to safe and reliable drinking water, improving the dignity and quality of life of countless families. Since 2020, the continuous provision of free food grains has protected the food security of nearly 80 crore people, ensuring that no vulnerable citizen is left behind. Additionally, more than 4 crore families have realized their dream of a safe and permanent home, strengthening their sense of security, dignity and hope for the future. Together, these initiatives stand as an enduring symbol of compassionate governance and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of every Indian.
PM Modiji’s vision has empowered every section of the society – be it women, youth, farmers and the underprivileged. The emergence of over 3 crore Lakhpati Didis is a powerful testament to his vision of women-led development, while initiatives under Nari Shakti have enabled women to play an increasingly important role in nation-building. India’s educational and healthcare landscape has expanded dramatically through the establishment of new IITs, AIIMS, medical colleges and higher education institutions, creating unprecedented opportunities for the country’s youth.
Along with this, India has witnessed a remarkable infrastructure revolution. From the rapid expansion of Vande Bharat trains, airports, highways and railway stations to transformative connectivity projects reaching remote areas, his leadership has laid the foundation for a modern, connected and aspirational India. These achievements have not only driven economic growth but also improved the quality of life of millions of citizens across the country.
India has emerged as a global leader in digital innovation, semi-conductor space technology, vaccine development and mobile manufacturing, enhancing its global stature in the field of emerging technologies.
Development, heritage too: Respecting Tamil heritage, taking Tamil Nadu forward
What makes Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi truly unique among contemporary leaders is his strong belief that progress and tradition are not competing ideals but complementary forces. Through his visionary philosophy of “Development too, heritage too”, he has demonstrated that a nation can modernize rapidly while remaining deeply rooted in its civilizational heritage.
Under his leadership, India has witnessed transformational developments in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing and social welfare, as well as a renewed pride in its ancient culture, languages, spiritual traditions and historical heritage. Be it the restoration of holy sites, the revival of cultural icons, the celebration of classical languages, or the preservation of priceless artefacts, his rule reflects a rare synthesis of modern aspirations and timeless values.
Prime Minister Modi Ji’s vision has redefined nation-building by proving that true development is not measured by economic growth alone, but also by the nation’s ability to preserve, cherish and pass on its heritage to future generations. His philosophy of “Development too, Heritage too” has become a guiding principle for a confident and revitalized India – one that moves boldly into the future while remaining firmly rooted in its glorious past.
The biggest beneficiaries of this philosophy have been Tamil Nadu and the global Tamil community, whose rich linguistic, cultural and civilizational heritage has received unprecedented recognition, celebration and support under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Tamil Nadu has greatly benefited from transformative initiatives under PM Modiji, including the Chennai Metro Rail expansion, Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway, Tamil Nadu Defense Industrial Corridor, modernization of ports and airports, expansion of national highways, redevelopment of railway stations and the new Pamban Rail Bridge. The inauguration of the new Pamban Rail Bridge, India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, is a historic achievement, enhancing connectivity to Rameshwaram and symbolizing India’s engineering excellence. Tamil Nadu, which has emerged as a leading hub for electronics, mobile phones and iPhone manufacturing due to its steadfast pursuit of the vision of a self-reliant India.
No previous Prime Minister has supported the Tamil language, culture and heritage with the same consistency, visibility and global reach as Mr. Narendra Modi, giving new national and international recognition to the Tamil civilization. His consistent celebration of the antiquity and literary richness of Tamil, both in India and abroad, has struck a deep chord with Tamils around the world. His invocation of the immortal words of the great Tamil saint Kaniyan Poongunaranar – “Yathum Ore, Yavarum Kelir” at the United Nations was a moment of immense pride for Tamil civilization and India. By bringing this profound message to the global stage, he demonstrated to the world the eternal humanistic values inherent in Tamil culture and its rich civilizational heritage. Humanity realized that Tamils had espoused the great concept of “One Humanity” centuries before Karl Marx. The initiative of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is also rooted in this philosophy.
Initiatives like Kasi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam have strengthened cultural bonds and highlighted the enduring civilizational ties that unite our country. The installation of Sengol in our new Parliament House is a fitting recognition of Tamil Nadu’s contribution to India’s democratic and civilizational heritage. PM Modi’s visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, highlighting the legacy of the Cholas, and the recent initiative to bring back priceless artefacts and antiquities from abroad, including the Anaimangalam Chola-era copper plates, have been widely appreciated. With his support for the preservation of temples, heritage sites, classical literature and cultural traditions, these efforts have enhanced the global stature of Tamil civilization and reflect his enduring reverence for the Tamil language and culture.
conclusion
In every era, history witnesses the emergence of leaders whose vision and actions transcend the boundaries of their time. Such individuals are remembered as ‘men of the era’ because they shape the destiny of a nation and inspire generations. Through his transformational leadership, commitment to national development and tireless service to the people, he has emerged as a true ‘Man of the Age’ of contemporary India.
I am confident that his capable leadership will take the nation towards a developed India of 2047.
(The author is the Vice President of India.)
