R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, OCT 7
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of India as he enters the 25th year of serving as the head of a government — a journey that began on this very day in 2001, when he took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Reflecting on his public life, the Prime Minister said his mission has always been guided by integrity, lifelong learning, and a deep commitment to the poor.
Mother’s Words That Became a Lifelong Moral Compass
Life changes. People change. Situations change.
Through it all, PM @narendramodi remains constant, respectful to elders, playful with children, always listening, always celebrating.
We may not always realise it… but India truly needs a leader like him. Our Forever PM. 💛… pic.twitter.com/cbEjoYfeLv— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) October 7, 2025
- Prime Minister recalls his mother’s lessons on honesty, Gujarat’s transformation, and reaffirms his resolve to build a Viksit Bharat
- One must treat every challenge as a lesson and every citizen as a teacher. Governance is not about power—it is about purpose: PM
- With honesty as my compass and service as my duty, I will continue to work for every Indian—especially the last person in the queue: Modi
Recalling his first day as Chief Minister, Shri Modi shared a moment that continues to define his approach to governance.
“My mother told me—I do not understand your work, but remember two things: always work for the poor, and never take a bribe.”
The Prime Minister said that these words became his guiding principles, shaping every decision he has taken since. “Whatever I do will always be with the best intent,” he added, emphasizing that integrity and honesty remain non-negotiable for those in public service.
Gujarat: From Drought to Dynamism
When Modi assumed leadership in 2001, Gujarat was reeling from a devastating earthquake, successive droughts, and political instability. What followed, he said, was a story of resilience, collective effort, and reform-driven revival.
“When I became Chief Minister, many believed Gujarat could never rise again,” he said. “Farmers had no water, industries were stagnant, and curfews were common. Together, we changed that perception.”
Under his leadership, Gujarat evolved from a drought-prone state into a national model of good governance, excelling in agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, and rural empowerment. “The culture of trading expanded into robust industrial capacity, and social harmony replaced despair,” he noted.
Lessons in Governance: A Message to Future Leaders
Marking his 25th year in leadership, the Prime Minister offered a message to the young generation of public servants and aspiring leaders — the “wannabe netas and babus” of the nation.
He said that public life is not a privilege but a responsibility, requiring humility, honesty, and continuous learning.
“To serve the nation is the highest honour,” he said. “One must treat every challenge as a lesson and every citizen as a teacher. Governance is not about power—it is about purpose.”
He urged the youth to remember that integrity is the foundation of public trust, and lifelong learning is the hallmark of effective leadership.
From Gujarat to Delhi: Building a New India
Modi recalled that in 2013, he was chosen as the Prime Ministerial candidate when the nation faced a “crisis of trust and governance.” He said that people placed their faith in his alliance, giving it an absolute majority in 2014, marking a new era of confidence and reform.
Over the past 11 years as Prime Minister, Modi highlighted that over 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, India has emerged as a global bright spot, and women (Nari Shakti), youth (Yuva Shakti), and farmers (Annadatas) have been empowered through transformative policies.
“Our collective resolve has made India self-reliant. The spirit of ‘Garv Se Kaho, Yeh Swadeshi Hai’ reflects the new India—confident, capable, and compassionate,” he said.
A Pledge for the Future: Viksit Bharat
Reaffirming his commitment to the Constitution and the people, the Prime Minister vowed to work “even harder” to fulfil the collective dream of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
“These 25 years have taught me that the true strength of democracy lies in trust. The people’s affection is my greatest inspiration,” he said. “With honesty as my compass and service as my duty, I will continue to work for every Indian—especially the last person in the queue.”
A Life of Service and Simplicity
As Modi steps into his 25th year in leadership, his journey stands as a lesson in humility, hard work, and moral clarity — values inherited from his mother and honed through decades of public life.
For India’s future leaders, his message is clear: Public life is not a ladder to power, but a lifelong pledge to serve with honesty, empathy, and integrity.
“The blessings of the people are my greatest wealth,” Modi said. “It is with their trust that I dedicate every moment to the dream of a Viksit Bharat.”
