Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked his 25 years in public life by expressing his confidence in India’s ability to achieve ambitious targets like becoming a developed country by 2047 and hosting the Olympic Games.
‘We will do it’: PM Modi’s vision for 2047
Addressing the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’ , PM Modi said, “Viksit Bharat by 2047, we will do it; hosting the Olympics, we will do it; setting foot in space, we will do it.”
Speaking at programmes that marked his 25 years in public life, which culminated in Gujarat’s Vadnagar and Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi – places deeply entwined with his political journey – PM Modi spoke about his journey, the lessons that he learnt and his vision for the country’s future.
PM Modi first became Gujarat chief minister in October 2001, a post that he held till 2014 and then moved to Delhi as Prime Minister in May 2014, where he continues to be in the helm of affairs.
‘Those who opposed me taught me democracy’
PM Modi said while reflecting on his time in public life, that criticism and opposition had helped him learn valuable lessons about democracy.
“There were people who opposed me. They taught me the power of democracy. They also forced me to introspect,” he said, adding that he learned about his own self through his detractors.
‘For me, the people are God’
Speaking about his duties as Prime Minister, he said, “Whatever I am today, wherever I am, and whatever responsibilities I have – it is all because of the people. For me, the people are God.”
The premier said, “The country has given me a lot and in turn, I have a bigger responsibility towards the country. The people have the greatest right over me.”
‘I Still Consider Myself A Student’.
PM Modi spoke about his penchant for learning, saying that as a student, he used to reach school early in the mornings.
“I still consider myself a student. Learning keeps me updated and in turn, I can keep contributing to the country,” he said. Following a Seva Yatra that began its journey on September 17, the celebrations were held in Varanasi and Vadnagar.
In Varanasi, Seva Yatris, BJYM workers and young citizens are scheduled to conclude the journey with Jalabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. In Vadnagar, the yatra will conclude at the historic Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir.