Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked 25 years in public service, looking ahead to India’s development goals and declaring, “Viksit Bharat by 2047, we will do it!”
Addressing the ‘Viksit Bharat
Sankalp Sabha’ in Delhi, PM Modi reiterated his commitment to building a developed and self-reliant India, while expressing gratitude to the people for their continued trust and support.
“Viksit Bharat by 2047, we will do it! Aatmanirbhar Bharat! Global Manufacturing hub! Hosting of the Olympics! Stepping into Space! This energy and confidence are incredible,” PM Modi said at the event.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came as he completed 25 years at the helm of government, a journey that began when he took the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001. He subsequently became Prime Minister in 2014 and has since completed three terms in office.
“When I took the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, I never thought that I would ever reach this milestone,” PM Modi said.
“Today, I have completed 25 years of continuous service. This is the result of the people’s constant blessings and support,” he added.
‘I Bow Down In Front Of People Of My Country’
PM Modi placed the people at the centre of his 25-year journey, saying the milestone was not a personal achievement but a consequence of the trust and blessings he had received from citizens.
“I express my gratitude to all the people of the country,” PM Modi said.
“I bow down in front of the people of my country,” he added.
The Prime Minister also thanked all NDA parties for their support.
Recalling the elections held during his political journey, PM Modi said people repeatedly chose him to serve them.
“During this period, whether it was Assembly elections or Lok Sabha elections, the people chose me to serve them. Today, I pay tribute to the democracy and Constitution of India,” he said.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged those who opposed him, saying they helped him understand the strength of democracy.
“Those who opposed me showed me the power of democracy,” he said.
‘Nothing That Happened In My Life Went To Waste’
Reflecting on his journey, PM Modi said every experience had taught him something.
“Nothing that happened in my life went to waste; every experience taught me something,” he said.
He also said he could have entered electoral politics much earlier had his objective been to gain prominence through elections.
“If I had wanted to shine in electoral politics, I could have entered the political arena much earlier,” PM Modi said.
Instead, he described his approach to public life in terms of mission and duty.
“I am a person to live for mission, not ambition,” he said.
“My focus is always on karma,” PM Modi added, before stating, “My duty is my dharma.”
PM Modi also made clear that he did not view the completion of 25 years as a personal milestone.
“My 25-year milestone is not personal,” he said.
Prayers At Shri Vinayak Temple
Earlier in the day, PM Modi offered prayers at the Shri Vinayak Temple in New Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar on the occasion marking 25 years since he first took charge as head of a government.
Speaking at the event, he said he had prayed for the country, the 140 crore Indians and for himself.
He said he prayed for the strength and capability to work for the country with greater energy and serve fellow citizens.
PM Modi also extended his greetings and congratulations to citizens who participated in the Seva Jyoti Yatra.
“Whatever I am today, wherever I stand, and in whatever role I serve, the biggest contribution belongs to the ‘janata janardhan’,” he said.
“For me, the public is a manifestation of God itself,” PM Modi added.
He said the trust of hundreds of millions of citizens and the tireless efforts of millions of party workers had been his greatest strength.
