Modi Reflects On 25 Years In Public Life: ‘Those Who Opposed Me Taught Me The Power Of Democracy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reflected on his 25-year journey in public service, saying his critics and political opponents helped him understand the strength of democracy and encouraged him to introspect.

“Those who opposed me taught me the power of democracy,” Modi said while addressing the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha’. “My critics taught me to look within myself,” he added.

Modi’s remarks came as programmes marking his 25 years in public service culminated in Vadnagar and Varanasi, two places closely associated with his personal and political journey.

‘For Me, The People Are God’

Reflecting on his years in public life, Modi said his responsibilities were rooted in the trust placed in him by citizens.

“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,” he said.

Modi said the country had given him a great deal and that this had placed an even greater responsibility on him.

“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,” he said.

‘I Still Consider Myself A Student’

Modi also spoke about his approach to learning, recalling his eagerness to reach class early during his student years.

“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.

He said criticism had also contributed to his growth by encouraging him to reflect on his own actions and approach.

Seva Yatra To Culminate In Vadnagar, Varanasi

The Seva Yatra, which began on September 17, has travelled through different parts of the country and is set to conclude with thousands of Seva Yatris, BJYM workers and young citizens gathering at Vadnagar and Varanasi.

In Varanasi, Seva Yatris will conclude the journey with Jalabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Dham and seek the blessings of Baba Vishwanath. The closing ceremony is expected to draw a large gathering of young participants 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 site of 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 are scheduled to join the Seva Yatris at the Vadnagar programme.

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