Opinion | From Vadnagar To World Stage—Narendra Modi’s Extraordinary Journey Of 25 Years

Born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar in Gujarat, Narendra Modi's early life was steeped in challenges which shaped both his humility and resolute character

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Digital India was unthinkable as an idea eleven years ago. Today, India is home to over 940 million broadband connections, thanks to the formidable digital infrastructure built under Prime Minister Modi’s aegis. India’s digital revolution is just one of the many firsts to Narendra Modi’s credit, where governance has made ease of living a reality. Good governance has been part of the Modi template for decades now, and it started on October 7, 2001, when Narendra Modi took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, marking the beginning of an unprecedented chapter in Indian polity. Born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar in Gujarat, Modi’s early life was steeped in challenges which shaped both his humility and resolute character. From helping his father sell tea at the Vadnagar railway station to rising through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a dedicated pracharak, his journey embodies fortitude and perseverance. His entry into public office came at a pivotal moment for Gujarat, which had been devastated by a massive earthquake in 2000. Over the next many years, Narendra Modi transformed the state into a model of inclusive development, earning widespread acclaim.

He then dived headlong onto the national stage with the dexterity of an astute politician who had earned his stripes, where he was sworn in as India’s 14th Prime Minister on May 26, 2014. Today, in September 2026, in his third consecutive term, Modi stands tall as a global powerhouse, having led India to remarkable socio-economic milestones, despite geopolitical headwinds. When Modi assumed office in 2001, Gujarat was reeling from the Bhuj earthquake that claimed over 20,000 lives and caused untold misery. Unfazed, Modi launched a swift and effective rehabilitation programme, rebuilding infrastructure including roads, bridges, and homes rose from the rubble, showcasing his ability to rally resources and people during crises. This hands-on approach not only restored normalcy but also instilled confidence in the State’s future. Modi’s tenure as PM is no different. His eye for minute details and his agility in terms of ear to the ground, continue to be his biggest strengths.

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The economic resurrection of Gujarat became Modi’s calling card. Gujarat’s economy, stagnant at a modest 5% growth prior to 2001, surged under his dynamic leadership, post 2001. He introduced the “Jyotigram Yojana" in 2003, ensuring 24-hour electricity to villages—a first in India. This initiative boosted farm productivity by enabling irrigation pumps to run efficiently, leading to a 10.97% agricultural growth rate between 2001 and 2010, the highest among all states. Farmers diversified into multi-cropping and dairy farming, with milk production doubling during his tenure. Poverty rates plummeted. Modi’s foresight extended to water conservation, a critical need in the arid State. The “Jal Mandir Abhiyan" in Gujarat restored over 1200 traditional water bodies, combating droughts and floods through innovative check dams and river-linking projects. These efforts........

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