TeaJust days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 12 years in office, two important events happened: He received commendations from Norway’s Royal Norwegian Order of Merit and Sweden’s prestigious Royal Order of the Polar Star. Shri Modi has been honored with 32 international honors in the last 12 years.
This great son of India has been consistently honored by his motherland, apart from receiving the highest civilian honors from around 20 other countries. This honor is received by Shri Modi along with the 1.4 billion people of the country. These are the same people who have consistently supported Mr Modi in three consecutive elections. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s leadership has also received support from the international community.
The fact that Mr. Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister and his government has lasted for 12 years is a direct indication of the public’s strong faith in him. Even the most successful leaders struggle to gain such trust. It is much more challenging to keep it going and see it grow stronger every day. This is what Mr. Modi has done. Behind all this is his unwavering devotion to the country, strong belief in its philosophy and diligent work ethic, which keeps him busy and inspires others to strive.
Mr Modi has set an example of what leadership should be like – first as Chief Minister of Gujarat for 13 consecutive years and now as Prime Minister for 12 consecutive years. It is not an easy task to remain engaged in fulfilling the aspirations of the people continuously for a total of 25 years.
He is not one to get tired, stop or take a break. For this reason, in the last 12 years he has served the country continuously without taking a single day’s leave. No other leader is as bound as Mr Modi, who immediately returned to the service of the country after performing the last rites of his mother. Recently, soon after returning to the national capital from a five-nation diplomatic tour, he chaired an important marathon meeting of the Council of Ministers in New Delhi.
In 2014, when he took oath as Prime Minister in the Rashtrapati Bhavan courtyard, a new India was emerging. While taking the oath, Mr Modi was aware of the aspirations and wishes of the people. Even after 12 years, he is deeply connected with the common citizens.
all round development
In these 12 years, under the leadership of Shri Modi, India has achieved progress in every direction. India’s voice has become stronger across the world. We are seeing all-round development of the country. That is why the people of India have given their blessings in the form of votes to Mr. Modi in every election.
As a constituent of the National Democratic Alliance, Shiv Sena has always supported Mr Modi. The only exception was the period when the then party leadership deviated from the ideals of revered Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and adopted an unethical path. However, in June 2022 we Shiv Sainiks rejected that immorality and once again supported Mr. Modi.
Shri Modi’s tremendous energy towards work, his extraordinary decision making ability and his ability to take accurate decisions no matter how difficult the problem or adverse circumstances are, are remarkable qualities. He also ensures strict implementation of those decisions.
Be it the historic decision of abrogation of Article 370, construction of Ram Mandir, law against triple talaq, surgical strike for national security or Operation Sindoor after Pahalgam attack – he took all these bold steps and accepted full responsibility for those decisions.
The opposition criticizes him. They have nothing else to do. Their tendency is not to accomplish anything themselves but to hinder what they are trying to accomplish. Yet, when it comes to Mr Modi, the opposition cannot even think of blaming him. Such is the impeccable nature of his tenure.
Implementation of many big decisions seemed difficult initially. However, his stance has always been to think long term and give priority to the interest of the country. Implementing GST and turning the concept of “One Nation, One Tax” into reality was not easy. This required changing the taxation system that had been in place for decades. Yet Mr Modi brought all the states together and carried out this revolutionary economic reform.
Through the new National Education Policy, he initiated major changes in the education sector. The policy embraces the vision of skill-based education, preference to mother tongue and world-class learning opportunities. He rightly recognized that modernization of education was necessary to realize the dream of a developed India.
He also took important decisions for women empowerment. By providing more opportunities for women in the armed forces and through initiatives like the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, he gave new strength to women’s participation in the society. He did not just talk about introducing the Women’s Reservation Bill in Parliament; He took concrete action. However, this bill could not be passed due to the narrow attitude of the opposition.
Direct financial assistance was provided to farmers through PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme. Earlier, welfare schemes often remained stuck on paper, but Shri Modi ensured their implementation. Direct benefit transfer helped curb corruption. Till now, benefits have been deposited directly into the accounts of lakhs of farmers across the country.
New strength to national security
By investing heavily in border infrastructure, he gave new strength to national security. Roads, bridges and tunnels were built in long-neglected border areas. By emphasizing “self-reliant India” in the defense sector, he worked to make India self-reliant in arms production.
During the dire times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the entire world was confused and struggling, Shri Modi provided strong leadership and reassurance to the country. He ensured food security for the poor. Arrangements were made for free vaccination. Apart from this, he established India as a capable option in the pharmaceutical sector. India supplied vaccines to many countries. It was not just foreign policy; This was a new demonstration of India’s human values before the world.
He gave the country a grand vision of ‘Developed India’ and ‘Self-reliant India’. He showed the way to achieve this and laid its strong foundation. The country is now becoming increasingly digital. Internet connectivity has reached the villages. Through the Digital India campaign, India has become one of the largest digital economies in the world.
Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Udyogini Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana for women were successfully implemented. Initiatives like Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program and Startup India were launched for the youth. New education policy was brought. Farmers were strengthened in various ways through PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Kisan Credit Card and other measures. To improve the ease of doing business, the Modi government introduced Atmanirbhar Bharat package along with various schemes. It also launched ambitious programs like PM Gatishakti and National Industrial Corridor.
India has seen unprecedented progress in infrastructure development. The network of roads and highways has expanded. The work of railway track doubling and electrification is going on at a fast pace. Metro services have reached 23 cities. The number of operational airports has doubled. Vande Bharat trains have brought new speed and efficiency. Railway stations are being extensively redeveloped. Projects like Atal Setu, Metro projects, Samriddhi Expressway, coastal roads and Jal Jeevan Mission were possible because of the support provided by the Prime Minister.
The world is now looking at India as a safe destination for investment. Through concepts like “Make in India” and “Self-reliant India”, India is also becoming stronger in the manufacturing sector. India stands with more confidence on the global stage. India demonstrated leadership through forums like G-20. India’s voice in foreign policy has become more influential, and its international relations have strengthened.
Before 2014 the country was directionless. Shri Modi gave it the right direction. He gave the country a stable, strong and decisive government. He raised the voice of India’s identity and pride. From our perspective, one of the happiest moments was Mr Modi’s decision to grant classical language status to Marathi, a decision which was pending for many years.
The issues that Mr. Modi raises become topics of discussion throughout the country and citizens consider them seriously. The latest example of this is the positive response from all sections of society to his appeal for savings in the context of current global conflicts.
multidimensional personality
There are many aspects to Shri Modi’s personality. Among these, his emotional sensitivity and fatherly nature are particularly touching. Despite holding such a high position, he has retained his humanity and compassion and this has been evident on many occasions.
A similar incident happened in 2019. After the setback to Chandrayaan-2 mission, the then ISRO chief K. Sivan became very emotional. Mr Modi hugged him, consoled him and assured him that the entire country stood with him.
There is another recent incident. I was one of the many leaders present on the stage at a government swearing-in ceremony in Kolkata. I said “Hello” To Mr. Modi. He immediately asked me how I was doing. A few days ago my helicopter went off track due to heavy weather. He remembered the incident and specifically inquired about it and asked me to travel with caution. He remembered this issue and took the time to inquire about it despite his incredibly busy schedule. This is what makes him so talented.
He has great empathy for the citizens of our country and shows such concern for all. For this reason, Mr. Modi is incredibly popular among the common people. Undoubtedly, under his able leadership the administration can do even better work in the years to come.
Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra
