NaMo SHAPING INDIA STRONGER

Writers emphasise how PM Modi has consistently supported and encouraged sportspersons, providing them with the personalised attention to ensure they receive the best training and facilities. PM Modi’s journey to the border areas was also a mission of hope & solidarity, honoring India’s soldiers. The PM has described RRU as “Jewel of the nation,” contributing to the vision of a strong and empowered India and lots more...

PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI & THE SPIRIT OF SPORTSMANSHIP

The Paris Olympics have kicked off, and the Indian contingent, carrying the hopes and prayers of 140 crore people, is determined to deliver a stellar performance. True to his nature, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in cheering for the Indian athletes. He met with the contingent and personally extended his heartfelt wishes to each player. PM Modi has consistently supported and encouraged sports and athletes, giving them individual attention to ensure they receive the best training and facilities. Indian athletes often recall how PM Modi would meet them shortly after their competitions, uplifting their spirits even after defeats. Receiving personal congratulations from PM Modi after every victory means a lot. His supportive words always give us a significant boost of confidence and encouragement. His involvement truly inspires us to perform our best on the global stage. He encourages every young sportsperson in a familial way, like a friend and guide, even those from small states like Tripura, which many people don’t even know of. This encouragement is essential for any achievement. Most importantly, the PM is not beaten even in defeat and sticks to his commitment of continued support, even when players lose. He feels proud at the participation, at the effort and sincerity. That is a very comforting and touching moment that provides fodder to us to put in even greater effort for the next event. Everyone calls after a victory to congratulate—that is easy, but PM Modi is one who stands with the boys and girls even in defeat. When we cry, he asks us not to be disappointed and appreciates whatever we have done for the country through our performance. We are always moved by his friendly and approachable nature. He congratulates every player, regardless of his or her performance. Whenever we meet PM Modi, it feels like we are conversing with an ordinary, friendly person, not the Prime Minister of the country. He doesn’t have that air of arrogance or aloofness. He genuinely supports us and becomes one of us in his involvement and interest. Whenever he interacts with players, he seems like a knowledgeable sportsperson himself. He is always so well informed and knows so much about everything that interacting with him gets interesting and enriching. He would ask relevant questions to the sportspersons like those about injuries they face and how to deal with them, or say, about the mental pressure they handle or things like that which are deeply related to sports, and these things are motivating for a player as they see their PM taking such keen interest in their field. They feel empowered and cared for and feel confident of the support they would get from the country as the supreme leader himself takes the lead to throw his weight behind them.

An inspiring moment from Modi’s visit to Kargil & other regions of Kashmir in 1999 - Prem Singh Dhumal, Former Himachal Pradesh CM

In July 1999, amidst the ongoing Kargil War, Narendra Modi, then General Secretary of the BJP, visited Kargil and other regions of Kashmir. On July 3, while in Shimla, news reached us that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was heading to the border to uplift the morale of the troops. Modi immediately suggested that we should also go there. Plans were quickly made, and on July 4, our team flew to Kargil with essential supplies for the soldiers.

After visiting the battlefield, we proceeded to local hospitals to meet wounded soldiers, distribute supplies, and offer our support. An especially poignant moment occurred when we encountered a soldier wrapped in a sheet who did not reach out for his supplies. Concerned, we placed his items on a nearby table. A doctor then explained that this soldier had lost both his hands and legs in a mine blast the previous day. Deeply moved, Modi placed his hand on the soldier’s head and gently asked if he was in pain. The soldier’s response was both humbling and inspiring: “No, the pain is gone. Yesterday, we won back Tiger Hill!”

The victory at Tiger Hill on July 5 had uplifted the soldiers’ spirits despite their physical suffering. We were profoundly moved by our interactions with them. On our return journey, we made a solemn stop at the Amarnath Cave, where we prayed for the soldiers and the nation. To our surprise, the soldiers who had played a crucial role in recapturing Tiger Hill were also there. After our prayers, Modi took the opportunity to speak with these brave individuals, discussing their experiences and challenges and examining their weapons.

This visit with Modi remains a profound memory for me. His journey to the frontlines was a mission of hope, solidarity, and tribute to the spirit of India’s soldiers. It was a powerful demonstration of his concern and commitment to the nation’s interests, establishing him as a caring and dedicated leader.

COMPILED AND EDITED BY SHASHIKANT SHARMA