As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 75, the nation celebrates a leader who has redefined Indian politics and governance. His journey from humble beginnings in Vadnagar to becoming the most powerful leader of independent India is a story of perseverance, grit, and vision. Modi’s rise was not through privilege or dynasty but through relentless hard work, deep connection with the masses, and his ability to transform obstacles into stepping stones. Whether during natural disasters, political storms, or international challenges, Modi’s resilience has remained unshaken. Today, his political capital is unmatched, and his impact on India’s growth story is unparalleled.
A Life of Struggle, Service, and Unmatched Leadership
Few leaders in Indian history have dominated politics the way Narendra Modi has. Despite intense opposition, propaganda, and attempts to block his rise, Modi’s bond with the people has only strengthened. His leadership has been the BJP’s biggest asset, whether in sweeping elections in Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, and Odisha, or energising campaigns in states where his presence is seen as a guarantee of victory. This strength stems from his ability to remain rooted, listen to the people, and respond with decisive action. From his early days in the RSS, Modi learned how to survive adversities, a lesson that continues to define his politics.
Lessons From Adversity: RSS Roots and Emergency Years
Narendra Modi’s toughness is born out of decades of struggle. As a 29-year-old RSS pracharak, he toiled for over a month in flood-hit Morbi in 1979, cleaning debris, carrying bodies, and helping families perform last rites. During the Emergency, Modi lived underground, constantly changing disguises to evade arrest at times as a Sikh, a Swami, even an incense-stick vendor. These experiences sharpened his organisational skills and gave him the resilience to withstand political persecution. His ability to bounce back from setbacks, like the targeted campaigns post-2002, demonstrates a leader forged in the fire of adversity.
Modi’s Governance: A Decade of Transformation
Since 2014, Prime Minister Modi has unleashed a series of transformative schemes that have touched every Indian household. Unlike previous governments, his focus has been on scale, speed, and inclusivity. These flagship programmes are not mere welfare schemes but nation-building initiatives designed to empower citizens and make India self-reliant. Be it health, housing, sanitation, financial inclusion, infrastructure or women’s empowerment, the Modi government has rewritten the development narrative. Let’s revisit some of his most significant initiatives that continue to shape India’s destiny.
Swachh Bharat and Ayushman Bharat: Building a Healthy Nation
Modi’s first major mission was the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2014. It was more than just a cleanliness drive it was a mass movement that eliminated open defecation in villages, built over 100 million toilets, and improved public health on a scale unseen in Indian history.
In 2018, he followed it with Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the world’s largest government-funded healthcare scheme. With ₹5 lakh coverage per family annually, it has benefitted crores of poor families, saving lives, reducing hospital bills, and promoting digital health records through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. Together, these schemes are a testament to Modi’s belief that development must begin with health and dignity.
Empowering Families: Housing, Jan Dhan, and Ujjwala
Modi’s governance has been rooted in empowerment. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana launched in 2015 gave affordable housing to the poor, with special focus on women beneficiaries and marginalised groups.
The Jan Dhan Yojana, the largest financial inclusion programme in the world, opened bank accounts for millions, ensuring that subsidies and benefits reached the poor without middlemen.
Similarly, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has distributed over 9 crore LPG connections, replacing firewood and kerosene with clean fuel. It has transformed rural kitchens, improved women’s health, and given them dignity in their daily lives. These schemes show Modi’s commitment to uplifting the poorest households.
Strengthening Social Fabric: Beti Bachao, Namami Gange, and Sukanya Samriddhi
With the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign launched in 2015, Modi struck at the root of gender bias by promoting girl child education and fighting female foeticide. It has improved school enrolment ratios for girls and changed societal attitudes.
His environmental vision came through the Namami Gange Programme, launched in 2014 to clean and rejuvenate the holy river. Hundreds of sewage treatment projects and riverbank developments have been undertaken, making it a flagship mission of ecological and cultural importance.
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, linked to the Beti Bachao campaign, gave parents a secure financial future for their daughters through high-interest savings accounts. These schemes show Modi’s focus on empowering families, respecting traditions, and ensuring gender justice.
Women Empowerment: Lakhpati Didi and Matru Vandana
In 2023, Modi launched the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, a unique scheme aimed at transforming the lives of at least one crore rural women by enabling them to earn ₹1 lakh annually. Through skill training, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, women in Self-Help Groups are turning into entrepreneurs in agriculture, handicrafts, and small businesses.
Similarly, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, re-launched in 2017, provides ₹5,000 in direct transfers to pregnant and lactating women for their first child, ensuring nutrition and maternal health. Both schemes reflect Modi’s vision of women-led development, where women are not just beneficiaries but leaders of change.
Modi at 75: The Global Statesman
Beyond India, Modi has established himself as one of the most influential leaders in the world. From championing Yoga at the UN to positioning India as the voice of the Global South at the G20, his leadership has given India unprecedented respect on the global stage. His decision during Covid-19 to back indigenous vaccine production saved millions of lives and proved India’s scientific prowess. Leaders from Donald Trump to Joe Biden have acknowledged his global popularity, making Modi not just India’s leader, but a world statesman.
A Leader Forged in Struggles, Destined for Greatness
At 75, Narendra Modi remains unstoppable. His life spent in selfless service, grounded in struggle, and elevated by vision has reshaped India’s destiny. From toilets to vaccines, from Jan Dhan to Beti Bachao, his policies have touched every Indian home. Unlike dynastic politicians, Modi’s rise is rooted in merit, hard work, and deep connection with the people. As India marches toward its centenary of independence in 2047, Modi’s leadership continues to be the guiding force for a new era of prosperity, pride, and power.