New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the beginning of his 25th year in public office by thanking the people of India. He reflected on taking oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and said his focus since then had been on improving lives and advancing national growth.
He said his entry into office came during a difficult time. Gujarat was recovering from a massive earthquake, while earlier years had brought a super cyclone, droughts, and political instability. These challenges, he said, strengthened his resolve to rebuild the state with courage and hope.
Recalling his mother’s advice, Modi said she had told him to always work for the poor and never take a bribe. He said he had promised to act with honesty and serve the last person in the queue.
Gujarat’s turnaround and rise to good governance
Modi said faith in the state’s revival was weak at first. Farmers lacked power and water, agriculture had declined, and industries were struggling. Yet, through collective effort, Gujarat transformed into a model of good governance and rapid progress.
He said the drought-prone state later became a leader in agriculture. Trade expanded into manufacturing, industries gained strength, and infrastructure grew steadily. Peace replaced curfews, and people regained confidence in administration.
Recalling 2013, Modi said he was named the Prime Ministerial candidate at a time when the nation faced a crisis of trust and governance. The people, he noted, gave his alliance a strong mandate and his party a clear majority in the 2014 elections.
He said India has since undergone major transformations. Over 25 crore citizens have risen above poverty, and India has become a bright spot in the global economy. Women, youth, and farmers, he added, have gained strength through reforms and welfare programmes.
He said today’s national mood is to make India self-reliant across all sectors. The spirit of “Garv Se Kaho, Yeh Swadeshi Hai” reflects that confidence. Modi again thanked the citizens, calling public service his greatest honour. Guided by the Constitution, he reaffirmed his pledge to work harder for a Viksit Bharat.
He shared these reflections through a series of social media posts covering key milestones — his 2001 oath, Gujarat’s transformation, his 2013 nomination, empowerment efforts, and the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
On this day in 2001, I took oath as Gujarat’s Chief Minister for the first time. Thanks to the continuous blessings of my fellow Indians, I am entering my 25th year of serving as the head of a Government. My gratitude to the people of India. Through all these years, it has been… pic.twitter.com/21qoOAEC3E
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2025
