By News18,Rajeev Kamal

Copyright news18

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 75, his legacy as a transformative leader shines through in his ability to bridge divides, inspire change, and elevate India’s global standing. His journey, marked by relentless dedication, has reshaped the nation’s trajectory across political, economic, social, and cultural spheres. Here’s a look at the remarkable facets of Modi’s leadership that make him a statesman beyond political boundaries.
Political Mastery and National Unity
At 75, PM Modi has achieved a rare feat in Indian politics—securing three consecutive terms as Prime Minister, a record matched only by Jawaharlal Nehru. His sustained pan-Indian appeal spans diverse demographics and regions, reflecting his ability to connect with the masses. Notably, Modi has made significant inroads in South India, traditionally a challenging region for his party, with over 50 visits to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana in recent years, building bridges beyond the Hindi heartland.
Modi’s ability to earn respect across political divides is striking. Like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and H.D. Deve Gowda, he commands admiration even from opponents. Former PM Deve Gowda publicly acknowledged Modi’s oratorical prowess, calling him a “better orator” than Vajpayee. His commitment to federal cooperation ensures development projects proceed in opposition-ruled states, exemplifying mature constitutional governance. Through campaigns like “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” and “Sabka Vishwas,” Modi has championed cultural exchange, celebrated India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, and fostered inclusive development, strengthening national unity.
A Global Statesman of Unparalleled Reach
Modi’s global footprint is unmatched. He has received 27 highest civilian honours from nations like the USA, France, Russia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Namibia, and Brazil—the most by any Indian Prime Minister. As the most-travelled Indian PM, having visited 68 countries and covered over 7 lakh kilometres, Modi has positioned India as a key global player. His leadership during the 2023 G20 presidency led to the unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration, with over 40 world leaders in attendance, significantly elevating India’s diplomatic stature.
As president of the International Solar Alliance until 2026, Modi has mobilised $2.5 billion for solar ventures across 120 member countries, cementing India’s role as a clean energy leader. International leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have praised his stamina and diplomatic capabilities, particularly during marathon global summits.
Driving Economic Transformation
Under Modi’s leadership, India has emerged as the world’s fifth-largest economy, with manufacturing’s GDP share rising from 16% to 19%. The digital economy has soared, with 131 billion annual digital payment transactions, making India the global leader in digital payments. Modi’s vision has transformed the startup ecosystem, growing from 350 startups in 2014 to 1.6 lakh by 2025, with over 118 unicorns valued at $100+ billion.
Infrastructure has seen a revolution, with national highway construction accelerating from 12 km/day to 28 km/day and the UDAN scheme launching over 80 new air routes. The “Make in India” initiative has attracted ₹25 lakh crore in manufacturing investments, creating 15 lakh jobs. Modi’s Digital India push, through UPI, JAM integration, and e-governance, has made India a pioneer in digital governance.
Championing Social Justice and Inclusion
Modi’s policies have lifted 25 crore people out of multidimensional poverty, reducing poverty indices from 27% to 11.2% in a decade. The Jan Dhan Yojana has banked 55.83 crore unbanked Indians, with women holding 56% of accounts, enabling ₹1.5 lakh crore in direct benefit transfers. Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest government-funded healthcare program, provides ₹5 lakh health cover to 50.2 crore beneficiaries.
Modi’s focus on women’s empowerment is evident in the Triple Talaq Act, protecting 2.7 crore Muslim women, and the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, reserving 33% legislative seats for women. The sex ratio has improved from 918 to 933. The Swachh Bharat Mission, constructing 12.2 crore toilets, achieved 100% rural sanitation, credited by WHO with preventing 180,000 deaths annually.
Empowering Tribals and Minorities
Modi’s commitment to tribal empowerment is profound. Declaring November 15 as “Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas” to honour Birsa Munda, establishing 10 tribal museums, and allocating ₹24,000 crore through the PM-JANMAN scheme for 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups reflect his focus on indigenous communities. Additionally, 18.5 lakh forest rights titles have been distributed to tribal families, ensuring their dignity and ancestral land rights.
For minorities, Modi’s initiatives include the Triple Talaq Act, a 300% increase in minority scholarship funding benefiting over 50 lakh students annually, the Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh pilgrims, ₹1,000+ crore investments in the Buddhist circuit, and 25% of MUDRA loans reaching minority entrepreneurs, fostering inclusive growth.
A Beacon of Cultural and Spiritual Leadership
Modi has masterfully balanced India’s civilizational values with modern progress. From the consecration of the Ram Mandir to leading space missions, he appeals to both traditional and progressive sensibilities. His practice of celebrating festivals with armed forces, performing Ganga Aarti, and visiting temples reflects deep cultural rootedness. Promoting International Yoga Day has made yoga a global phenomenon, showcasing India’s soft power. Modi’s investments in heritage conservation, including 11 Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums, underscore his commitment to preserving India’s cultural legacy.
Crisis Leadership and National Security
Modi’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was exemplary, with India administering 220.5 crore vaccine doses, achieving 95% adult coverage, and reducing fatality rates from 2.1% to 0.8%. His decisive security actions, including surgical strikes post-Pulwama and Balakot operations, dismantled terror networks, establishing India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. Defence production has surged 174% to ₹1.27 lakh crore, with exports rising from ₹686 crore to ₹23,622 crore. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 fully integrated Jammu & Kashmir, reducing terror incidents by 70% and boosting tourism by 120%.
A Leader Defined by Dedication
At 75, Modi’s work ethic remains unmatched. Working 18 hours daily, starting at 4 AM, and monitoring governance through real-time dashboards, he defies age-related expectations. His “Pradhan Sewak” philosophy—identifying as the nation’s servant rather than its master—reflects a servant-leadership approach that prioritises national interest and inspires administrative excellence.
As India celebrates Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, it honours a leader who has redefined governance, empowered the marginalised, and positioned India as a global force. His legacy is one of unity, progress, and unwavering commitment—a statesman truly beyond political divides.