Modi On The Footsteps Of Vivekananda

Every day, we utter remarks that may be sarcastic, humorous, or critical of others. However, many of us don’t pause to consider their effect on the listener. It’s crucial to recognize how our words influence those around us. What we articulate not only mirrors our personality but can also profoundly influence the world. History offers ample evidence of this. Gautam Buddha’s teachings on compassion continue to inspire globally. Likewise, Swami Vivekananda’s message of universal brotherhood remains pertinent. Echoing his renowned address, “sisters and brothers of America,” at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to his compatriots as “parivarjano” (family members) instead of the conventional “deshvasiyo” (countrymen). Every word in PM Modi’s speech carries significant meaning.

The Prime Minister’s 10th consecutive Independence Day address was as spirited as his inaugural one in 2014. Spanning 90 minutes, it addressed almost every facet of an ordinary citizen’s life. He expressed that by the time the tricolor waves over the Red Fort on India’s 100th Independence Day in 2047, it should symbolize a developed nation, capturing the hopes of 1.4 billion citizens.

PM Modi emphasized that the current developmental initiatives would shape the nation’s trajectory for the next millennium. He declared that the new India is rediscovering its heritage lost under foreign domination. While India is a global nexus for human capital, the PM projected it would also soon be recognized for its manufacturing prowess. By leveraging its rich history to craft a promising future and with a governance focused on its citizens’ welfare, India is currently relishing a pivotal moment in its timeline.

The Prime Minister’s declaration that India could ascend to become the world’s third-largest economy with the public’s support for a third term underlines his unwavering confidence. This confidence has propelled India’s remarkable ascent on the global platform over the last decade. As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, always ready to assist during global crises, and being a vocal advocate for peace, India’s international stature has never been more commendable. To illustrate India’s global emergence: in the past nine years, 130 million people have risen above poverty, a figure surpassing five times Australia’s population.

A Challenge to the Opposition

In the second week of August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi advised the opposition in Parliament to brace for the upcoming no-confidence motion. Further, his assertion on August 15th that he would return the next year to hoist the tricolor has set the opposition’s pulse racing. Most opposition leaders have perceived the Prime Minister’s stance as defensive following these remarks. Figures like Mallikarjun Kharge, Lalu Prasad, the JD(U) spokesperson, and other notable personalities throughout the opposition camp have likened the Prime Minister’s speech to a farewell address.

Ahead of the 2024 general elections, Prime Minister Modi’s speech not only highlighted his administration’s achievements but also took pointed jabs at the opposition. His August 15, 2023, address revisited familiar themes such as nepotism, corruption, and appeasement, indicating the BJP’s gearing up for the forthcoming polls. Analysts interpret this as the BJP and Modi’s signature aggressive political strategy, while the opposition perceives it as a reaction to the emerging ‘India’ platform’s threat.

Modi’s recurring emphasis likely stems from his trust in the electorate’s backing. In 2014, the BJP garnered 31.1% of the votes, a figure that climbed to 37.4% in 2019, representing an increase of close to 5.75 crore votes. Excluding the Muslim demographic, there was a noticeable uptick in BJP’s support across all castes and classes. The party’s traction among the Dalits was especially noteworthy: while 24% voted for the BJP in 2014, this surged to 34% by 2019. Eyeing the 2024 elections, the BJP is courting the marginalized Muslim communities. Over the past two general elections, their share of Muslim votes has consistently hovered around 8%, and the party is aiming for a 5% boost. The solidarity among the opposition parties can arguably be attributed to the BJP’s tactics. Those factions that remained unfazed in 2019 have grown increasingly wary of the BJP’s expanding influence as the 2024 polls draw nearer.

Breaking the silence over Manipur

PM Modi has effectively countered the opposition’s criticism regarding his silence over the Manipur issue. His response to the no-confidence motion, followed by his Independence Day speech, were clear indicators. He emphatically took credit for the return of peace to the state. However, the opposition is unlikely to let this issue rest easily.

The Prime Minister’s speech also highlighted several welfare scheme announcements. These include the Vishwakarma Yojana, valued at Rs 13,000 crore; the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, which aims to uplift the economic standards of 2 crore rural women; and an initiative offering affordable home loans to the urban homeless. It would be inaccurate to label these proposed schemes as mere election ploys, as such announcements have been a consistent feature during PM Modi’s tenure. We can anticipate more such initiatives from him as the 2024 general elections approach.

Form, Reform and Perform

With the mantra of “Form, Reform, and Perform,” the Prime Minister has shown an effort to give triple acceleration to the vehicle of development. On a global scale, India and China remain positive in terms of growth rates. In contrast, the pace of development in nations like the European Union and Japan has slackened. The IMF has expressed hope that by 2027, India’s economy will rise to the third rank. If India continues at its current growth rate of 6.5%, the role of the “Form, Reform, and Perform” mantra will be significant in this progression.

Another vital announcement made by Narendra Modi from the Red Fort pertains to the formation of the country’s national character. Linking it with global well-being, PM Modi presented the goal of making India a “Vishwamitra” (World Friend). This call, diverging from the earlier “Vishwaguru” (World Leader) vision, can also be seen as a significant shift. The opposition undoubtedly has a critical eye here, suggesting that Modi is backpedaling from his “Vishwaguru” claims. However, there’s no denying that as a “Vishwamitra”, India can make itself more relevant. In fact, whenever the world has needed, India has always stood firm, playing its substantial role. The most prominent example can be seen during the COVID era, when India provided vaccines to over a hundred countries.

The indomitable Aura

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphatically reassured that neither his rhetoric nor actions will jeopardize India’s unity. This serves as a caution to those persistently engaging in derogatory discourse, the ramifications of which are evident in unsettling events among the citizenry. By committing to ceaselessly work towards national unity, Modi has reaffirmed his stance as a resolute nationalist leader.

The opposition appears daunted by Narendra Modi’s commanding image. Yet, in countering this perception, opposition figures sometimes miss the mark. In opposing Narendra Modi and Amit Shah’s BJP, Congress spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP, Randeep Surjewala, labeled voters who back them as “demons”. Such retorts not only bolster Modi’s commanding image but also cast these confrontational leaders in a dubious light. The overarching question is: can the opposition dismantle the aura of leadership Modi has adeptly established through his deeds and captivating presence?