Marking a milestone 25 years in executive governance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’ on Wednesday, issuing an emphatic self-confidence mantra for the nation’s future: “Viksit Bharat by 2047, we will do it; hosting the Olympics, we will do it; setting foot in space, we will do it.”
Reflecting on his journey that began when he took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, PM Modi stated that critics and political opponents played a pivotal role in strengthening his understanding of democratic governance.
”Critics Taught Me to Look Within”
Speaking at the culmination of the nationwide Seva Sankalp Abhiyan—which featured special events concluding at Vadnagar and Varanasi—the Prime Minister emphasized that public trust remains his greatest asset.
”Those who opposed me taught me the power of democracy,” Modi said. “My critics taught me to look within myself… 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 added that he continues to approach his role with the mindset of a lifelong learner: “I still consider myself a student… The more I learn, the greater my ability will be to do something for the country.”
Culmination of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
The event marked the end of a month-long yatra that launched on September 17. Culminating at key spiritual and historical sites closely tied to the Prime Minister’s life, thousands of Seva Yatris and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) workers gathered for closing ceremonies:
- Varanasi: Yatris concluded their tour with a Jalabhishek at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, joined by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP President Nitin Nabin, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
- Vadnagar: The yatra reached its finale at the historic Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, attended by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and senior state leaders.
During his address, PM Modi reaffirmed that the trust earned over his 25-year administrative career belongs entirely to the citizens of India as the nation pursues its vision of becoming a fully developed economy by 2047.
