Prof. Mahesh Chand Gupta
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently turned 75. On this occasion, the nation not only remembered his political journey and achievements but also realized how his foresight and positive thinking gave the country a new direction. Modi’s story is not just a political journey; it is also the story of ideas and values that aim to take India on the path of development and pride.
On this occasion, I recall Modi’s speech on February 7, 2013, which he delivered at Delhi’s Shri Ram College of Commerce as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. I remember that “development, progress, and growth” were the key words of his speech. The way he implemented those very ideas after becoming Prime Minister shows how deeply he had already envisioned the nation’s future. Destiny, guided by Modi’s positive thinking, placed him at the highest position of power in the country. As a dedicated RSS volunteer, Modi always believed the nation was supreme, and he continues to work in that spirit.
I remember Modi had come to the college to speak on Emerging Business Models in the Global Scenario. I was fortunate to witness that extraordinary occasion. The media regarded that address as one of the five landmark speeches that established Modi as a powerful orator and a national leader. It was my privilege not only to listen to him but also to shake hands with him as he departed. Driven by some inner impulse, I told him, “You will be the Prime Minister, and the nation looks at you with great expectations.” Modi said nothing—he just smiled and walked ahead. When he stood up to speak, only one thing occupied his mind: the future of the nation. He began working with India at the center of his thoughts, and continues to do so.
In his speech at the college, Modi used the word development 20 times, challenges 16 times, youth 15 times, growth and opportunity 9 times each, governance 8 times, hope 6 times, brand 5 times, pride 5 times, model 4 times—and friends 180 times. At the time, I did not analyze this, but today, reflecting upon it, I realize the kind of vision Modi held for the nation and the determination he carried to turn it into reality. Even if Modi never personally aspired to become Prime Minister, he certainly harbored the ambition to give wings to India’s economy, to achieve high growth, to transform India’s destiny through its youth, and to make India a “Vishwaguru” (world teacher). Destiny cleared the path for him to become the Prime Minister precisely for this reason.
The speech lasted 75 minutes, but every minute revealed how deeply the spirit of national welfare and future planning was embedded in his mind. He repeatedly emphasized development, progress, and growth. His words carried a clear vision that the 21st century would be the century of knowledge and skills, and India would lead it. He said that to take the nation forward, focus was required on skill, speed, and scale. Today, eleven and a half years later, it is clear that Modi has turned those words into reality.
After becoming Prime Minister, Modi took concrete steps for national development. Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Startup India, Make in India, and Digital India strengthened India’s growth trajectory. I remember that in his speech, while mentioning challenges like corruption, misgovernance, and economic stagnation, Modi had said that India could overcome them only by utilizing its opportunities. Under his leadership, this indeed has happened. The Jan Dhan Yojana, GST reforms, e-governance initiatives, and economic reforms strengthened the Indian economy. Today, India stands proudly on the global stage.
In that speech, Modi also emphasized “Made in India” and spoke of efficiency, technological innovation, and branding in manufacturing. Today, due to his efforts, India has emerged not just as a large market but also as a global leader in technology and manufacturing capacity. His vision and strategy have placed India on the world stage with respect and trust.
He also pointed to a section of society that saw youth only as voters. Modi said that the power and energy of youth could play a decisive role in development. As Prime Minister, he translated this vision into reality by creating countless opportunities for young people. Through initiatives such as the Skill Development Mission, Startup India, Digital India, and youth entrepreneurship programs, his government promoted technical training and employment generation, empowering millions of young Indians. Today, Indian youth are making their mark not only in the country but across the globe.
By implementing e-governance, Swachh Bharat Mission, Ayushman Bharat, and urban and rural development projects, Modi proved that his words were not empty promises but actions grounded in reality. In his speech, he had proposed a balanced development model for the three pillars of agriculture, industry, and services. This did not remain mere talk—after becoming Prime Minister, he launched multiple schemes to advance these sectors. In agriculture, initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, and agricultural marketing reforms empowered farmers. In industry and services, programs such as Make in India, Startup India, and Digital India placed India at the center of global trade.
Today, due to Modi’s efforts, India has a new identity and stands tall on the global stage. Our economy is strong, our youth are empowered, and our nation is emerging as a leader in technology. The dream that Modi envisioned is gradually becoming a reality. His policies and vision have made India not only economically but also socially, technologically, and globally strong and respected. Modi has proved through action what he once said. With the nation in his hands, India’s future is secure, its tomorrow is bright, and the dream of a developed India by 2047—and of India as a world leader—is certain to be fulfilled. |
