Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the people of India as he entered his 25th year of serving as the head of a government. Reflecting on his journey since taking oath as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, the Prime Minister said it has been his constant endeavour to improve lives and contribute to the nation’s progress.
In a series of posts on X, PM Modi recalled his early days as Gujarat Chief Minister. He said he assumed office under testing circumstances. The state had faced a massive earthquake that year, along with the aftereffects of a super cyclone, successive droughts, and political instability in preceding years. ‘Those challenges strengthened the resolve to serve people and rebuild Gujarat with renewed vigour and hope”, the PM said.
Prime Minister Modi also recalled his mother’s words that he should always work for the poor and never take a bribe. He added that this principle continues to shape his governance.
Reflecting on Gujarat’s transformation under his tenure, PM Modi said that at the time, many believed the state could never recover. Farmers faced shortages of power and water, agriculture was struggling, and industrial growth was stagnant. “Through collective effort, Gujarat transformed into a powerhouse of good governance. The state became a top performer in agriculture, trading expanded into manufacturing, industrial capacities grew, and social and physical infrastructure received a boost,” he said.
PM Modi also recalled being named the Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections amid a national crisis of trust and governance. “The people of India gave a thumping majority to our alliance and an absolute majority to our Party, ushering in an era of renewed confidence and purpose,” he said.
Over the last 11 years as Prime Minister, he noted, India has achieved significant transformations. Over 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, while initiatives have empowered women, youth, and farmers. India has emerged as a bright spot among major global economies, supported by large-scale healthcare and social security schemes. The Prime Minister also highlighted the push for self-reliance, reflected in the call of ‘Garv Se Kaho, Yeh Swadeshi Hai.’
Expressing gratitude to citizens, PM Modi said, “To serve the nation is the highest honour. Guided by the values of our Constitution, I reaffirm my commitment to work even harder to realise the collective dream of a Viksit Bharat.”