My deepest gratitude for your support and generous wishes

Published By : Admin | September 17, 2012 | 11:45 IST

 

Dear Friends,

Today, 17th September is my birth anniversary. Very often I am asked this question- “Modi ji how do you celebrate your birthday? What do you do on this special day?” etc. The fact is that throughout my life journey this day has been no different from any other day and has been as special to me as everyday day of my life.

Out of affection, many young friends and well-wishers have used this day to do some very touching acts of service as well as other forms of social work. I am thankful to them from the bottom of my heart for these wonderful acts of service held on this day.

17th September this year will be different in the way that on the very next day on 18th September, I will be completing a journey of 4000 days in service of the people of Gujarat as the Chief Minister. Never since the inception of Gujarat, has the state seen political stability for such a long span of time. If one desires to see how a progressive government with political stability and an atmosphere of vibrancy can deliver some fantastic results in the span of a decade, you can take Gujarat as a living example.

The success of Gujarat’s development journey is not the handiwork of one person, family or a select few. It is the feeling of ‘Mai Nahi Hum’ (Not ‘I’ but ‘we’) and a solid team spirit that has been the force behind Gujarat’s success in the last 4000 days. 

‘Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas’ (All together, growth for all)- this Mantra of Gujarat has emerged as the life force of a new political culture.

In the solid determination to steer Gujarat to new heights, the support and contribution of my 6 crore Gujaratis has been foundational and extremely important. On this day, I humbly bow to this spirit of the people.

At the same time, I salute the spirit of service and dedication of the more than 6 lakh Karma Yogis of Gujarat Government whose tireless efforts have ensured that our state scaled new heights of progress and infused immense pride in our hearts and optimism in our minds while marking its place on the map of the world.

During this journey of 4000 days, I have also been the target of several lies, exaggerations and half-truths from some sections with vested interests. It further ruffles their feathers when these very elements fail to secure any response from me. As I have always believed- more the stones that are hurled at me, the longer the flight of stairs I plan to build towards the progress of Gujarat and its people.

Yet, in contrast to these canards spread by those with a destructive mindset, I have also received several very touching pearls of wisdom, appreciation and ideas that have enriched me immensely. Today, I am sharing some self-explanatory letters in front of you. In the midst of these mistruths, it will be very easy to figure out what the truth is.

Two of the letters are penned by the noted former judge of the Honorable Supreme Court and a stalwart in public life- Justice VR Krishna Iyer, who is 98 years old. The letters have been written with great warmth and affection and they remain one of those treasures that I will cherish for life.

Justice Iyer wrote:


Dear Narendra Modi,


I have received your letter. I hold you as a great man, a creative administrator and a humanist wonder. I am a small man have no power, 98 years old and on my way to quit. I am immensely happy with your letter and the great energy radicalism you have achieved. How I wish Indian political leadership had the same inventive or at least innovative march with one vision: to wipe every tear from every eye. Our poverty in the field of energy is a thing of the past provided solar power and wind power are utilized. I pray for your leadership of Indian welfare. May that day dawn and Gandhiji’s stand fulfilled in his vision.


Dear Modi, politics apart I will be with you for the happiness of the little Indian.


 


With regards,


Yours sincerely,



V.R. KRISHNA IYER

 

He also wrote,

 


Dear Narendra Modi,
 


            After glancing through the material you had sent through courier I hold you as a part of the Indian history in its modern development odyssey. You are a super patriot and your stature is beyond any particular party. Do continue the national mission you have undertaken. Indian history of the 20th century will not be complete without an excellent reference to the majestic contribution you have made in the field of Indian Energy Unlimited.
 


With regards,
                                   


Yours sincerely,
                                                                                                                     


V.R. KRISHNA IYER

 

[ YOU CAN READ THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE LETTERS HERE ]

 

 

The second letter has been written to me by Shri N Vittal, who has left a distinguished mark of years of service including as the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) of India.

 

Shri Vittal wrote,


Respected and Dear Chief Minister Hon. Shri Narendra Modi,


I enclose herewith my latest book “Ending Corruption? How to clean up India” published by Penguin Books India, this month.


You have set before our nation an excellent example of what can be achieved if absolute political integrity and commitment to good governance are combined in a leader. You have also shown how
openness
to new ideas and political courage to take even unpopular but sound decisions in the interest of development and good governance can work wonders.


Based on my 42 years in government I have attempted to present a new perspective and solution to the number one problem before the nation - Corruption in public life.


I shall be very grateful if in your busy schedule, you could kindly find some time to glance through my book.


Warm Regards, 


Yours Sincerely


N Vittal

 

[ YOU CAN READ THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE LETTER HERE ]

 

Both these individuals are known for their integrity and values. For the kind words they have written, I profusely thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Once again, my sincere thanks to all of you for your continuous support and generous wishes on my birthday. 

Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat!

 

Yours,

Narendra Modi

 

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Ekta Ka Mahakumbh – the Dawn of a New Era
February 27, 2025

The Mahakumbh has successfully concluded in the holy city of Prayagraj. A grand Mahayajna of Unity has been completed. When the consciousness of a nation awakens, when it breaks free from the shackles of a centuries-old mindset of subjugation, it breathes freely in the fresh air of renewed energy. The result of this was witnessed at the Ekta Ka Mahakumbh (Mahakumbh of Unity) in Prayagraj since January 13.

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On January 22, 2024, during the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, I spoke about Devbhakti and Deshbhakti - devotion to the divine and to the nation. During the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Gods and Goddesses, saints, women, children, youth, senior citizens and people from all walks of life came together. We witnessed the awakened consciousness of the nation. This was Ekta Ka Mahakumbh, where the sentiments of 140 crore Indians converged at the same place, at the same time, for this sacred occasion.

In this holy region of Prayagraj is Shringverpur, a sacred land of unity, harmony and love, where Prabhu Shri Ram and Nishadraj met. Their meeting symbolized the confluence of devotion and goodwill. Even today, Prayagraj inspires us with the same spirit.

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For 45 days, I witnessed crores of people from every corner of the country making their way to the Sangam. The wave of emotions at the confluence kept rising. Every devotee came with one purpose – taking a dip in the Sangam. The holy confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati filled every pilgrim with enthusiasm, energy, and confidence.

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This Mahakumbh in Prayagraj is a subject of study for modern management professionals, planning, and policy experts. Nowhere in the world is there any parallel or example of this scale.

The world watched in wonder how crores of people gathered at Prayagraj at the banks of the confluence of rivers. These people had no formal invitations, no prior communication on when to go. Yet crores of people left for the Mahakumbh of their own accord and felt the bliss of taking a dip in the sacred waters.

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I cannot forget those faces radiating immense joy and satisfaction after the holy dip. Women, elders, our Divyang brothers and sisters – everyone found a way to reach the Sangam.

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It was particularly heartening for me to see the overwhelming participation of India's youth. The presence of the younger generation at the Mahakumbh sends a profound message that the youth of India will be the torchbearers of our glorious culture and heritage. They understand their responsibility towards preserving it and are committed to carrying it forward.

The number of people who arrived in Prayagraj for this Mahakumbh has undoubtedly created new records. But beyond those physically present, crores of people who could not reach Prayagraj were also deeply connected emotionally to the occasion. The sacred water brought back by pilgrims became a source of spiritual bliss for millions. Many of those returning from the Mahakumbh were received with respect in their villages, honoured by society.

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What has happened in the last few weeks is unprecedented and has laid a foundation for centuries to come.

More devotees arrived in Prayagraj than anyone had imagined. The administration had estimated attendance based on past experiences of the Kumbh. 

Nearly twice the population of the United States participated in this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh.

If scholars of spirituality analyse the enthusiastic participation of crores of Indians, they will find that India, proud of its heritage, is now surging ahead with a new-found energy. I believe this is the dawn of a new era, which will script the future of a new India.

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For thousands of years, the Mahakumbh has strengthened India's national consciousness. Every Purnakumbh used to witness a gathering of saints, scholars and thinkers deliberating upon the state of society in their times. Their reflections used to provide a new direction to the nation and society. Every six years, during the Ardhkumbh, these ideas were reviewed. After 12 Purnakumbh occurrences spanning 144 years, obsolete traditions were given up, newer ideas were embraced, and new traditions were created to move ahead with times.

After 144 years, in this Mahakumbh, our saints have once again given us a new message for India's development journey. That message is Developed India – Viksit Bharat.

At this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh, every pilgrim, whether rich or poor, young or old, from villages or cities, from India or abroad, from the East or the West, from the North or the South, irrespective of caste, creed and ideology, came together. This was an embodiment of the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat that filled confidence in crores of people. Now, we must come together in the same spirit for the mission of building a developed India.

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I am reminded of the incident where, as a little boy, Shri Krishna revealed a snapshot of the whole universe within His mouth to His mother Yashoda. Similarly, in this Mahakumbh, the people of India and the world have witnessed the massive potential of India's collective strength. We must now move forward with this self-confidence and dedicate ourselves towards building a developed India.

Earlier, the saints of the Bhakti movement had identified and encouraged the strength of our collective resolve across India. From Swami Vivekananda to Sri Aurobindo, every great thinker reminded us of the power of our collective resolve. Even Mahatma Gandhi experienced it during the freedom movement. Post-independence, if this collective strength had been correctly recognised and harnessed towards boosting the welfare of all, it would have become a great force for a newly independent nation. Unfortunately, it was not done earlier. But now, I am gladdened to witness the way in which this collective strength of the people is coming together for a developed India.

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From the Vedas to Vivekananda, from the ancient scriptures to modern satellites, India’s great traditions have shaped this nation. As a citizen, I pray that we draw new inspiration from the memories of our ancestors and saints. May this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh help us move ahead with new resolutions. Let us make unity our guiding principle. Let us work with the understanding that service to the nation is service to the divine.

During my election campaign in Kashi, I had said, "Maa Ganga has called me." This was not just an emotion but also a call of responsibility, towards the cleanliness of our sacred rivers. Standing at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj, my resolve became even stronger. The cleanliness of our rivers is deeply linked to our own lives. It is our responsibility to celebrate our rivers, big or small, as life-giving mothers. This Mahakumbh has inspired us to keep working towards the cleanliness of our rivers.

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I know that organizing such a massive event was no easy task. I pray to Maa Ganga, Maa Yamuna, and Maa Saraswati to forgive us in case there were any shortcomings in our devotion. I see Janata Janardan, the people, as an embodiment of divinity. In case there has been any shortcoming in our efforts to serve them, I also seek the forgiveness of the people.

Crores of people came to the Mahakumbh with a feeling of devotion. Serving them was also a responsibility that was carried out with the same feeling of devotion. As a Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, I can proudly say that under the leadership of Yogi Ji, the administration and the people worked together to make this Ekta Ka Mahakumbh a success. Be it the state or Centre, there were no rulers or administrators and instead, everyone was a devoted sevak. Sanitation workers, police, boatmen, drivers, people serving food - everyone worked tirelessly. The way the people of Prayagraj welcomed the pilgrims with open hearts despite facing many inconveniences was particularly inspirational. I express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to them and the people of Uttar Pradesh.

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I have always had unwavering confidence in the bright future of our nation. Witnessing this Mahakumbh has strengthened my conviction manifold. 

The way 140 crore Indians turned the Ekta Ka Mahakumbh into a global occasion is truly wonderful. Moved by the dedication, devotion and efforts of our people, I will soon visit Shri Somnath, the first among the 12 Jyotirlingas, to offer the fruits of these collective national efforts to Him and to pray for every Indian.

The physical form of the Mahakumbh may have culminated successfully on Mahashivratri, but just like the eternal flow of the Ganga, the spiritual strength, national consciousness and unity that Mahakumbh has awakened will continue to inspire us for generations to come.