From Bhuj To Covid: The Crises That Shaped PM Modi’s 25-Year Journey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who completed 25 years as head of government on Wednesday, reflected on key events that shaped his political journey, including the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, the Morbi floods and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Key Takeaways

Addressing the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’, PM Modi said his eagerness to learn had become an integral part of his life. He described himself as a lifelong student and said continuous learning strengthened his ability to serve the country.

Recalling his school days in Vadnagar, PM Modi said his teachers used different methods to teach and remembered often being among the first students to reach class.

PM Modi said every person and event had left a lesson. Success taught him humility, setbacks built resilience, well-wishers provided encouragement and critics prompted introspection.

Supporters demonstrated the value of trust, while opponents deepened his understanding of democracy.

“Every crisis has been a test of my patience, every success has deepened my sense of responsibility, and every achievement has given me the courage and determination to move towards bigger goals,” he said, adding that no event in his life had been without a lesson. His remarks drew chants of ‘Modi-Modi’.

The Prime Minister said the Morbi floods taught him the importance of round-the-clock relief and service, while the Bhuj earthquake taught steadfastness in reconstruction. Chandrayaan taught him to rise after failure, and Covid-19 highlighted the importance of collective national consciousness.

The Prime Minister credited the media, villages and poor citizens with shaping his approach to policymaking and said limited resources should never restrict dreams or determination.

Calling public trust and citizens’ hard work his greatest strengths, PM Modi thanked people for choosing him as their leader for 25 consecutive years. He said the experience gained during this journey ultimately belonged to the nation and every child of Mother India.

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