MODI’S INDIA: BUILT ON TRUST, TECHNOLOGY AND TRADITION

THE NARRATORS RECALL PM MODI’S DEFINING LEADERSHIP MOMENTS, HIGHLIGHTING HIS NATION-FIRST VISION, FAITH IN INDIGENOUS INNOVATION, AND CELEBRATION OF BHARAT’S CIVILISATIONAL LEGACY

Modi ji broke the glass ceiling by volunteering for Tejas sortie - Giridhar Aramane, Former defence secretary of India

As India built its first indigenous fighter aircraft, Tejas, we wanted the Prime Minister to take the first ride on its inauguration. It would have been a powerful message of confidence in India’s technological capabilities and the efforts of our scientists and engineers. However, there were serious security concerns. Officials warned us that the Prime Minister could not be risked on a newly built single-engine aircraft, and the required security clearance was subsequently withheld.

While we were disappointed, we also understood the concerns being raised and were preparing to drop the plan altogether. However, the matter soon reached PM Modi himself. When he learned about the issue, he responded without a moment’s hesitation. He said he was fully prepared to take the sortie and dismissed the risk concerns associated with flying the aircraft.

What stood out was the conviction with which he spoke. He said he had complete faith in India’s engineers, scientists, and indigenous technology, and therefore did not view flying on Tejas as a risk. His response surprised many, but decisiveness has always been one of his defining traits.

True to his word, PM Modi donned the airman’s livery and took the historic sortie in November last year. By doing so, he became the first Prime Minister to fly in a single-engine fighter aircraft, creating a new milestone and sending a strong message of confidence in India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

Modi ji kept India’s cultural heritage on top - Govind Mohan, Secretary, Govt of India

When the world came to India for the G20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured it experienced not just a rising economy, but a timeless civilisation. From the Cultural Corridor at Bharat Mandapam to the rich display of India’s art, music, crafts and heritage, Bharat’s cultural identity took centre stage before the world. As India hosted the G20 leaders, Modi ji ensured that the country’s civilisational legacy was not merely showcased but celebrated with pride and confidence.

Through generous and vibrant displays of Indian dances, music and cultural performances during various assemblies, meetings and events associated with the summit, the best of India’s diversity was brought forth before the global community. The celebrations reflected the depth, richness and continuity of Indian culture, opening up a new dimension of India before world leaders and delegates.

Over the last 12 years, PM Modi has consistently placed India’s heritage at the heart of its development journey. Whether through the G20, the restoration of heritage sites, or the global promotion of Indian traditions, Bharat’s cultural voice has grown stronger, more confident and more influential than ever before.

FOR MODI JI, IT IS ALWAYS ‘NATION FIRST’ - Mukesh Aryabandhu, Former Mathura-Vrindavan mayor

The death anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the nation and placed national interest above all else, was observed recently. The Bharatiya Janata Party continues to uphold this ideal through its guiding motto: “Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embodied this principle throughout his public life, consistently urging party workers to do the same. His commitment to this philosophy is not limited to words alone; it is reflected in his actions and decisions. This commitment is clearly reflected in an incident that highlights how these values are translated into governance and public administration.

When I was elected mayor, we were called for an interaction with PM Modi in Delhi. It was after the 2017 Uttar Pradesh local body elections. As the newly elected mayors gathered to meet the Prime Minister over dinner, Modi ji shared a powerful message that has stayed with me ever since. He advised us never to allow power, personal relationships, political affiliations, or partisan considerations to come in the way of our duty towards the people. According to him, good governance must never be dictated by the biases of affiliations and obligations. Public service, he emphasised, demands fairness, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of citizens.

He was clear and stern on this idea. To illustrate the point, he narrated an incident from his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. During a major road-widening project in Ahmedabad, a portion of the BJP’s own office building stood in the way of the proposed expansion. The project required the removal of structures that obstructed the planned road alignment. However, officials hesitated, assuming that the ruling party’s office would receive special treatment. Some even expected the project alignment to be altered in order to save the party office from any inconvenience.

When the matter reached Narendra Modi, his response was unequivocal. He asked a simple yet powerful question: “If the houses and properties of ordinary citizens worth crores of rupees are being acquired for a project that serves the public, why should the BJP office be treated differently? Are the people our enemy?” With those words, he settled the matter once and for all. The instruction was clear: the wall would go, and the road would stay.

The road was widened. The BJP office’s wall jutting out onto the road was demolished in accordance with the rules, just like any other structure that posed an obstacle to the road expansion project. There was no exception, no special privilege, and no compromise. Public interest prevailed over party interest. For PM Modi, it was a pure matter of principle, placing the nation and its people above party and self.

It is this same spirit that Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and the founding leaders of the party stood for. They believed that public life must be guided by national interest and service to the people. Modi ji’s actions and principles offer the best tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who lived and ultimately sacrificed his life for the country without ever compromising on the principle of Nation First. We, the leaders of the next generation, also strive to carry forward the same legacy. Modi ji remains a living example of how governance can be steered towards a transparent, efficient, accountable, and people-centric model while remaining firmly rooted in the principle of putting the nation above all else.

COMPILED AND EDITED BY SHASHIKANT SHARMA