'Serving our nation is the highest honour': PM Modi marks 25 years as head of government

Narendra Modi takes oath as the Prime Minister for the third time on June 10, 2024 (File photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, marked the 25th anniversary of his oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat, sharing throwback images from his swearing-in in 2001 alongside a photograph from his oath-taking as Prime Minister at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Prime Minister took to microblogging site X, fondly reflecting on his journey in public service and expressing gratitude to the people of India, in a slew of emotional posts.

“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,” he wrote on X.

He further added that his constant endeavour had been “to improve the lives of our people and contribute to the progress of this great nation that has nurtured us all.”

PM Modi also recalled the testing circumstances under which he assumed office in Gujarat, citing the 2001 earthquake, a super cyclone, successive droughts, and political instability. “Those challenges strengthened the resolve to serve people and rebuild Gujarat with renewed vigour and hope,” he said.

He also remembered his mother’s guidance, “First, you will always work for the poor and second, you will never take a bribe. Whatever I do will be with the best intent and will be inspired by a vision to serve the very last person in the queue.”

Further reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister, PM Modi highlighted Gujarat’s transformation from a drought-prone state to a top performer in agriculture, with robust industrial growth and strengthened social and physical infrastructure. PM Modi then recounted his entry into national politics, writing about his selection as the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

PM Modi said the nation was grappling with a “crisis of trust and governance” under the then UPA government, which he described as being marked by “corruption, cronyism and policy paralysis.”

“India was seen as a weak link in the global order. But the wisdom of the people of India gave our alliance a thumping majority and also ensured that our Party got an absolute majority, a first after three long decades,” PM Modi wrote on X, reflecting on the public mandate that propelled him to the country’s top political office.

The Prime Minister credited this victory to the popular sentiment for change and reform, which laid the foundation for his government’s initiatives over the past 11 years, including efforts to empower women and youth, expand social welfare, and strengthen India’s economic and global standing.

Discussing his role as the Prime Minister, PM Modi noted, “Over the last 11 years, We The People of India have worked together and achieved many transformations… Over 25 crore people have been removed from the clutches of poverty. India is seen as a bright spot among major global economies.” He emphasised efforts to empower women, youth, and farmers, expand healthcare and social security, and drive self-reliance under the call of ‘Garv Se Kaho, Yeh Swadeshi Hai.’

Concluding his note to the people of the nation, PM Modi reaffirmed his commitment to India, “To serve our beloved nation is the highest honour."