PM MODI’S GROUNDED APPROACH HAS REDEFINED INDIAN LEADERSHIP

Narrators recall PM Modi’s leadership as a lesson in humility and human connection. From greeting every individual personally to remembering workers by name and valuing the insights of long-serving staff, he consistently rises above protocol and hierarchy

MODI JI RECOGNISED AND ACKNOWLEDGED ME PERSONALLY! - Boney Kapoor, Film Producer

My first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji in Lucknow remains one of the most memorable and cherished moments of my life. It was during a large gathering where he had just finished addressing a packed audience. As the programme concluded, he stepped down from the stage and began interacting with people seated in the hall.

What happened next took me completely by surprise

As he moved through the crowd, he came towards me, called me by my name, and greeted me with a warmth and familiarity that I had never expected. For a moment, I was speechless. It was not merely the greeting itself that touched me, but the fact that he had taken the effort to recognise and acknowledge me personally amidst hundreds of people present there.

That simple interaction left a deep impression on my mind. After all, here was the Prime Minister of India, a leader entrusted with the responsibility of guiding one of the world’s largest nations. Yet despite the demands of such an office, he displayed a level of humility and personal attention that is increasingly rare in public life. In that brief moment, I did not feel like just another face in the crowd. I felt genuinely seen, valued, and respected.

Over the years, I have often reflected on that experience. It revealed a quality in Narendra Modi ji that goes beyond politics or public leadership. He possesses a remarkable ability to connect with people on a personal level, making them feel important regardless of their position or status. It is a trait that cannot be manufactured; it comes from a deep respect for people and an instinctive understanding of human relationships.

For me, that meeting captured the true essence of Narendra Modi ji’s leadership. On the one hand, he stands tall as a leader who represents India’s aspirations and achievements on the global stage. On the other, he remains grounded enough to build personal connections with ordinary individuals. It is this rare combination of stature and simplicity, authority and humility, that makes his leadership truly distinctive and memorable.

PM MODI TAUGHT US TO LEARN FROM EVERYONE - Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister

Inspired by the humility consistently demonstrated by PM Modi ji towards employees at every level, we too gradually learned to value their experiences and perspectives far more deeply. Their insights often brought fresh, practical viewpoints that enriched our understanding and improved our work in ways we had never imagined.

One particular incident remains etched in my memory. A peon in the PMO was once called into the Prime Minister’s chamber—not to deliver tea or carry out a routine task, but to offer insight. PM Modi firmly believes that wisdom exists at all levels of an organisation and that valuable knowledge is not confined to senior positions. He would often urge senior officials and ministers, saying, “Talk to clerks, section officers, even peons. They have seen the system more closely and for much longer than many of us.”

For him, inclusion is not merely a principle to be spoken about; it is something that must be practised every day.

Soon after assuming office, he called to his chamber a peon who had been serving in that office for nearly three decades. Despite working in close proximity for years, many of us knew very little about him. PM Modi ji spent considerable time speaking with him, listening carefully to his experiences and observations. Through that conversation, he gathered numerous insights about the functioning of the PMO, its institutional memory, and many subtle details that are often overlooked in official reports. These nuggets of practical wisdom, accumulated through years of experience, must have undoubtedly proved useful in shaping administrative decisions later.

More importantly, he encouraged us to adopt this invaluable practice ourselves—to give importance to every individual and learn from their life experiences. Following his example, many of us consciously changed our approach and attitude. We began interacting more with our staff members, taking time to understand their backgrounds, challenges, and stories. Through these conversations, our own experiences were enriched and broadened.

Earlier, not only did we know little about peons, drivers, or security personnel, but we often knew very little even about many officials working under us, as interactions were largely restricted to official necessities. Under Modi ji’s leadership, that culture changed significantly. Through dialogue, openness, and mutual respect, people were brought closer together. This exchange of experiences provided new knowledge and perspectives, helping us retain what was good, identify shortcomings in earlier systems, and improve governance for the benefit of society and the nation. It was a positive, inclusive, and forward-looking model of governance that PM Modi ji actively nurtured and exemplified.

A MEMORY THAT LINGERS WITH ME - Tuhin A Sinha, BJP National Spokesperson

I would like to share a memory that has stayed with me over the years, one that continues to reflect the essence of Narendra Modi ji’s personality. It was during a Diwali Milan gathering, an occasion filled with celebration, warmth, and festive cheer. As National Spokesperson, I had witnessed countless leaders address public gatherings and interact with people. Yet, what I saw that evening was something distinctly different.

Narendra Modi ji delivered a speech that was profound, thoughtful, and deeply inspiring. For nearly forty minutes, he spoke with conviction and clarity, leaving the audience captivated. As the speech concluded, many naturally assumed that he would leave promptly, as is often the case with leaders after a public engagement. The event had already been a success, and his responsibilities elsewhere must have been many.

But Modi ji chose a different path.

Instead of heading directly towards the exit, he stepped down into the gathering and began meeting people one by one. With the patience of a saint and the warmth of a host welcoming guests into his own home, he moved through the crowd slowly and deliberately. Journalists, karyakartas, members of the media team, volunteers, and party workers—everyone received his attention. He paused to exchange a few words, offer a smile, or simply wish them “Happy Diwali.” If there were a hundred and fifty people in that hall, he met each one. If there were two hundred, he showed the same dedication and care.

When my turn came, I quietly thanked him. It had been only a few months since I had been appointed National Spokesperson, and this was my first opportunity to personally express my gratitude. He listened, nodded gently, and his eyes reflected both acknowledgement and encouragement. It was a brief interaction, yet one that left a lasting impression on me.

What struck me most was this: in a world where many leaders move through crowds protected by distance and protocol, here was the Prime Minister of India ensuring that no hand was left unshaken and no greeting went unreturned. That evening, the true spirit of Diwali was not found in the lights or sweets, but in his gesture of seeing, valuing, and respecting every individual. It reflected values rooted deep within him—humility, compassion, and a profound respect for people. Even amidst the responsibilities and power of high office, he remained remarkably humane.

COMPILED AND EDITED BY SHASHIKANT SHARMA