New Delhi/Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked 25 years in public life and governance with a renewed call to work towards a developed India by 2047, a place among the world’s top three economies and a self-reliant nation. Addressing the ‘Seva Jyoti’ programme at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, Modi presented the message, “We will do it,” as the guiding resolve for the next phase of the country’s journey.
Reflecting on his political career, Modi recalled taking oath as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001. He thanked citizens for repeatedly giving him the opportunity to serve and said the trust earned over 25 years was not merely his personal capital but an asset for the country.
The Prime Minister said he regarded himself as a lifelong learner, drawing lessons from supporters, critics and challenging circumstances. Recalling events ranging from the Bhuj earthquake to the Chandrayaan setback and the COVID-19 pandemic, he said every crisis had offered lessons in resilience and public service.
Describing his political journey, Modi said he had entered public life with a sense of mission rather than ambition and that “karma is dharma” for him. He said the true measure of his journey should be where the country had reached rather than where he had personally reached.
Recalling his tenure in Gujarat, Modi said his approach was based on public participation and the belief that the development of Gujarat would contribute to India’s development. He said the responsibilities expanded after 2014, when he became Prime Minister, and the government subsequently focused on reforms, manufacturing, exports and self-reliance.
Linking the 25-year milestone to future goals, Modi said the occasion was not merely about recalling past achievements but about renewing national resolve. He reiterated the targets of a developed India by 2047, a top-three global economy and an Atmanirbhar Bharat, declaring, “We will do it.”
On governance, the Prime Minister said development challenges could not be viewed through caste or community divisions. If farmers lacked irrigation or households lacked electricity, he said, the problem affected everyone. He described “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and saturation-based delivery of welfare schemes as key elements of good governance, ensuring eligible beneficiaries were not left out.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin described Modi’s 25-year journey as one from public service to national service. He highlighted initiatives relating to sanitation, women’s empowerment, farmer support, housing, startups and sports, and linked programmes such as Make in India and Vocal for Local with the broader objective of self-reliance.
In Lucknow, the address was screened live at Patel Park in Hazratganj, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined virtually and listened to Modi’s speech. A song highlighting the Prime Minister’s development initiatives was also presented.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Medha Kulkarni, MPs Sanjay Seth and Brijlal, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, Dr Mahendra Singh, Pankaj Singh and other public representatives and party workers attended the Lucknow programme. Earlier, Yogi Adityanath visited the ‘Jan Seva Se Desh Seva’ exhibition showcasing the implementation of Central government schemes in Uttar Pradesh and inaugurated the Seva Jyoti.
