Marking 25 years as head of government, PM Modi said he had lived “for a mission, not my personal ambition” and described public trust and the efforts of party workers as the biggest strengths behind his political journey.
BY PC Bureau
October 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked 25 years in government, recalling his journey from taking oath as Gujarat chief minister on October 7, 2001, to leading the country. Addressing the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha in New Delhi, Modi attributed the milestone to the faith of the people, the support of his colleagues and the work of BJP workers.
Here are the key quotes from his address:
“Today, I have completed 25 years of continuously serving as Head of Government. This is the blessing of the people. I bow before the people of the country.”
“On October 7, 2001, when I took the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, I had not imagined that this milestone, too, would arrive.”
“The people have always chosen me to serve them. Today, I pay tribute to India’s democracy and its Constitution.”
“Whatever I am today, wherever I stand, and in whatever role I serve, the biggest contribution belongs to the ‘janata janardhan’. For me, the public is a manifestation of God itself.”
“The trust of hundreds of millions of countrymen and the tireless effort of millions of party workers has been my greatest strength.”
“Those who stood by me showed me the power of faith; those who opposed me taught me the power of democracy.”
“Viksit Bharat by 2047, we will do it! Aatmanirbhar Bharat! Global manufacturing hub! Hosting of the Olympics! Stepping into space! This energy and confidence are incredible.”
“I sincerely believe that every citizen of India has foremost claim on me. I have been a person who has lived for a mission, not my personal ambition.”
“I have never felt alone; there are countless ‘swayamsevaks’ who are guardians of India’s cultural soul.”
Recalling his childhood in Vadnagar, Modi said his eagerness to learn had stayed with him throughout his life.
“When I look back today, I am filled only with a sense of deep gratitude.”
He also recalled that before entering electoral politics, he had spent years working with tribal communities and within the BJP organisation.
“Twenty-five years ago, at the age of 50, I had spent my time serving tribal communities in the forests and living amidst the mountains, eventually choosing the path of organisational work within the Bharatiya Janata Party.”
“Had I desired to shine in electoral politics, I could have entered the arena long ago; but that was not my temperament.”
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25 years of serving the people… I bow to 140 crore Indians for their trust and look forward to serving the nation with greater commitment in the times to come. https://t.co/rO1LXY9Csm
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2026
Modi used the occasion to reiterate his argument that government schemes should reach all eligible beneficiaries rather than being targeted along caste or community lines.
“One of the major tragedies our country has faced is that, for the sake of politics, society was divided along the lines of votes.”
“If water does not reach a field, who suffers? Is it only farmers from one caste who are affected? If there is no electricity, does darkness prevail only in the homes of one community?”
“If the problem is everyone’s, then the solution should also be for everyone.”
He described this approach as “saturation”, under which every eligible beneficiary is covered by government schemes.
“Saturation means every eligible beneficiary is covered, no deserving person is left out, no one is deprived of their rightful benefits, and no one can take away another person’s rights.”
“Our country has problems, but we also have 140 crore solutions.”
Calling India’s young population a major opportunity, Modi urged citizens to maintain the momentum of development.
“This is not the time to rest. This is the time to move forward with determination and enthusiasm, to devote ourselves completely to the service of the nation.”
“The fact that India is so young today, with such a large young population, is a tremendous opportunity given to us by history. We must not let this opportunity slip.”
