Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks 25 years in public life, says critics taught him democracy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said those who opposed him during his public life helped him understand the strength of democracy, as he reflected on his journey at the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’, marking 25 years of his public service.

“Those who opposed me taught me the power of democracy,” Modi said, speaking about the lessons he learnt from his critics and political opponents. “My critics taught me to look within myself,” he added.

Modi's remarks came as programmes marking his 25 years in public service culminated, with events being held in Vadnagar and Varanasi.

The Prime Minister also pitched his vision of a “Viksit Bharat”, saying, “Viksit Bharat by 2047, we will do it; hosting the Olympics, we will do it; setting foot in space, we will do it”.

‘For me, the people are God’

Reflecting on his public service journey, Modi said he believed his responsibilities stemmed from the trust placed in him by the people.

“May God give me the strength to work for my country with even greater energy and serve my fellow citizens day and night. Whatever I am today, wherever I am, and whatever responsibility I hold, it is because of the people. For me, the people are God.”

Modi also said the country had given him a great deal and, consequently, he believed he had an even greater responsibility towards it.

“The country has given me so much, and therefore, my responsibility towards the nation is also the greatest. I sincerely believe that the citizens of the country have the greatest right over me.”

‘I still consider myself a student’

Modi also spoke about his approach to learning, recalling how he would be among the first students to reach his class.

“I was always among the students who reached the class first. That eagerness to learn became a part of my life. Even today, I consider myself a student… The more I learn, the greater my ability will be to do something for the country.”

He said criticism had also played a role in shaping his approach, helping him reflect on himself.

Seva Yatra concludes in Vadnagar and Varanasi

The yatra, which began on September 17, has covered different parts of the country and will conclude with thousands of Seva Yatris, BJYM workers and young citizens at the two historic centres closely associated with Modi's life and spiritual journey.

The celebrations form part of the BJP's month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, launched on September 17 to mark Modi's birthday and 25 years in public service. The campaign has included service, public outreach and welfare activities, with the Vadnagar and Varanasi yatras serving as major components.

In Varanasi, the Seva Yatris will conclude their journey with Jalabhishek at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, seeking the blessings of Baba Vishwanath. The closing ceremony is expected to draw a large gathering of youngsters and Seva Yatris.

BJP president Nitin Nabin, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJYM president Hemang Joshi are scheduled to address the gathering and speak about the significance of seva in public life and Modi's political journey.

In Vadnagar, the yatra will conclude at the historic Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, a place of deep personal significance to Modi.

Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP's all-cells coordinator VD Sharma will join the Seva Yatris at the Vadnagar programme.

Modi is also scheduled to address BJP cadre as part of the events marking his 25 years as the head of a government. He first became Gujarat chief minister in October 2001 and has since served as prime minister since May 2014.

The Seva Sankalp campaign was planned as a nationwide programme from September 17 to October 17, with the BJP organising a series of activities around public service, welfare and the idea of a developed India.