Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reflected on his 25-year journey in public service and shared his vision for India’s future, saying the country would achieve its major national goals through determination and collective effort.
Speaking at the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’, Modi said India would become a developed nation by 2047 and expressed confidence that the country would also host the Olympics and make further advances in space exploration.
“Viksit Bharat by 2047, we will do it; hosting the Olympics, we will do it; setting foot in space, we will do it,” Modi said, underlining his confidence in India’s ability to achieve ambitious targets.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the role of criticism and political opposition in shaping his understanding of democracy. He said those who opposed him during his public life had helped him understand the strength of democratic institutions.
“Those who opposed me taught me the power of democracy,” Modi said. He added that his critics had encouraged him to look within himself and assess his own work.
Reflecting on his relationship with the people, Modi said he considered public service a responsibility based on the trust placed in him by citizens. He said the country had given him a great deal and, therefore, he felt an even greater responsibility towards the nation.
“For me, the people are God,” he said, seeking strength to continue working for the country with greater energy and dedication.
Modi also described himself as a lifelong learner. Recalling his school days, he said he was often among the first students to reach class because of his eagerness to learn.
“Even today, I consider myself a student,” he said, adding that greater learning would strengthen his ability to contribute to the country.
The events marking Modi’s 25 years in public service have been taking place across the country, with the concluding programmes centred on Vadnagar in Gujarat and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The Seva Yatra, which began on September 17, brought together Seva Yatris, BJYM workers and young citizens.
In Varanasi, participants are scheduled to conclude the journey with Jalabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Dham. BJP president Nitin Nabin, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJYM president Hemang Joshi are expected to address the gathering.
The Vadnagar programme will conclude at the historic Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir. Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel are scheduled to attend.
Modi first became Gujarat chief minister in October 2001 and has served as India’s prime minister since May 2014.
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