MORE THAN A PM: MODI, A LEADER OF VALUES

The narrators recall PM Modi’s extraordinary attention to people, dedication to work and adherence to values—traits they believe define his leadership journey

PM Modi made a lasting impression in LS - Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union minister

Some moments in public life leave a lasting impression on the mind forever. One such moment for me came when I had the opportunity to accompany Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Lok Sabha during an important discussion on the Finance Bill. I had been entrusted with the responsibility of assisting him during the proceedings, something I have had the privilege of doing on several significant occasions. What I witnessed that day was a simple incident on the surface, but it carried a profound lesson in humility, discipline, and respect for democratic institutions.

As we approached the entrance of the Lok Sabha chamber, a Member of Parliament was addressing the House from the very first row. According to the longstanding traditions and parliamentary etiquette of the Lok Sabha, it is considered improper to walk across in front of a member while he or she is speaking. These may not be written laws, but they are important conventions that uphold the dignity and decorum of Parliament.

The moment Prime Minister Modi ji noticed that a member was speaking, he immediately stopped and stood quietly behind him. Someone softly suggested that he could simply enter from the side without disturbing the speech, as many occupying such a high office might have done without hesitation. But Modi ji chose otherwise. He remained exactly where he was, waiting silently and patiently for the member to complete his remarks before proceeding further.

What moved me deeply was that the MP delivering the speech had absolutely no idea that the Prime Minister of India was standing just behind him, patiently waiting out of respect for parliamentary tradition. There was no impatience on Modi ji’s face, no attempt to bypass convention, and no sense of entitlement despite holding the highest elected office in the country. Instead, there was only humility, restraint, and complete respect for the institution of Parliament.

For me, that moment became unforgettable. It was not merely about observing protocol; it reflected the values by which he lives. I realised that day why Narendra Modi continues to inspire so many people — not only through his speeches or decisions, but through the discipline and respect reflected in his everyday actions.

That incident remains one of the most meaningful lessons of my political journey: true leadership is never about power or position alone, but about respecting institutions, traditions, and every individual, regardless of status.

PM MODI’S CARING NATURE STANDS OUT - Diya Kumari, Deputy CM, Rajasthan

One usually assumes that the Prime Minister of a country, who meets thousands of people and handles countless responsibilities every day, cannot possibly remember the small personal details of individual lives. But Narendra Modi ji is a very different kind of leader, and perhaps that is what truly makes him exceptional. Time and again, he has surprised me with this rare quality of personal warmth and attentiveness.

I vividly remember one occasion when I went to meet him. The very first thing he asked me was about my mother. I replied that she was doing well. Without missing a beat, he immediately asked, “How is her sugar level?” I was genuinely stunned. Not only did he remember that my mother was diabetic, but he also recalled it despite meeting so many people every single week. That moment left a deep impression on me because it reflected both his extraordinary memory and his genuine care and concern for people.

There were also a few occasions when I visited him along with my mother. During those meetings, Modi ji spoke to us in our native Gujarati. Instantly, the atmosphere became warm and familiar, as though we were speaking to a close family member rather than the Prime Minister of India. Even when he came to Sawai Madhopur to campaign for me, he freely conversed with us in Gujarati during personal interactions.

It is this remarkable blend of warmth, humility, attentiveness, and human connection that makes Narendra Modi ji such a unique and endearing leader. When he connects with someone emotionally, he never appears distant or inaccessible, but instead makes people feel valued, comfortable, and personally cared for.

MODI JI IS A LESSON IN DISCIPLINE AND DEDICATION - Pushkar Singh Dhami, CM, Uttarakhand

I have had the privilege of closely observing the working style of respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and every moment spent with him has been a lesson in discipline, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the nation. His extraordinary work ethic and sense of responsibility are truly inspiring, but one particular incident in Varanasi left an unforgettable impression on my mind and heart.

That night, a meeting of chief ministers from BJPruled states continued late into the night and finally concluded around 1 a.m. Everyone present was visibly tired after hours of discussions and deliberations. Just as we thought the day’s work had finally ended, Prime Minister Modi ji smiled and calmly said, “There is still one important task left.”

We were all surprised. At that hour of the night, what work could still remain?

With complete simplicity and seriousness, he explained, “If I inspect development projects in my Lok Sabha constituency during the daytime, it causes inconvenience to the people. That is why I prefer reviewing these works at night.”

And then, while the city of Varanasi slept in silence, he stepped out onto the streets to personally inspect ongoing development projects. He moved from one site to another, carefully observing every detail, asking questions, reviewing progress, and ensuring that every aspect met expectations. His attention to detail and dedication were astonishing. Hours passed quietly in the night — it became 3 a.m., then 4 a.m. Only after completing the inspections did he finally return to his room.

What amazed all of us even more was what happened the next morning. At exactly 9 a.m., when the meeting resumed, Prime Minister Modi ji was already present — energetic, alert, focused, and completely immersed in the discussions. It genuinely felt as though he had derived energy not from rest, but from serving the nation itself.

Watching him that day, all of us felt the same thing: this is true leadership — leadership that does not simply give advice, but sets an example through action, discipline, sacrifice, and total commitment to national service.

COMPILED AND EDITED BY SHASHIKANT SHARMA