Modi at 75

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday is both a personal milestone and a significant landmark for the country he has been leading for the past 11 years. He chose the special occasion on Wednesday to make a strong pitch for swadeshi goods. His request to 140 crore compatriots was simple — whatever you buy, it should be made in our country and “should bear the sweat of some Indian”. Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas; Atmanirbhar Bharat; Viksit Bharat — these slogans have come to define his short-term and long-term goals for India. The recent GST reforms underscore the willingness to do course correction for improving the lives of people. The targeted welfare schemes rolled out by his government have particularly benefited the poorest of the poor.

A leader with tireless energy, it’s the toughest challenges that have demonstrated his resilience, be it the Covid-19 pandemic, the India-China border standoff or the Uri-Pulwama-Pahalgam terror attacks. According the highest priority to national interest, PM Modi has shown firmness, drawing admiration from major world leaders. US President Donald Trump’s tariff onslaught has failed to deter India from buying Russian oil — this is because the PM has put his foot down and refused to succumb to pressure.

In a war-ravaged world, PM Modi has impressed upon the international community that India’s global conduct is rooted in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). It is thanks to him that both India and the Global South have a powerful voice today. With the retirement debate put to rest, the PM has reiterated his determination to take the fast-rising nation forward with renewed vigour. However, even he would admit that some obstacles need to be surmounted. The ambitious march towards self-reliance and global ascendancy rests on peace, harmony and a feeling of togetherness in India, that is Bharat.