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Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas: My 11 Years Journey in Gujarat

Published By : Admin | October 7, 2012 | 18:35 IST

 

Dear Friends,

It was on this day, 11 years ago that I had got the opportunity to serve the people of Gujarat as Chief Minister. This 11-year journey devoted in service of the people of Gujarat has been memorable and extremely satisfying. It has been a learning experience for me that I tremendously cherish. Today, Gujarat has become synonymous with progress and with our Mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ we have come out with a model of development that has touched the lives of each and every citizen.

When I assumed office Gujarat was reeling under the effects of a severe Earthquake that had struck the state on the morning of 26th January 2001. Back then, people had written off Gujarat and it was deemed as impossible that the state would be up and running. But, with speedy rehabilitation and reconstruction initiatives that have now become a role model all across as well as the unwavering spirit of resilience of the people of Gujarat we were able to begin our march to development in a very short period of time! Now, Kutch has emerged as one of India’s fastest growing districts.

Back in 2001, people often requested me to atleast provide electricity at the time of their evening meal. We went even further and conceived the ‘Jyotigram Yojana’ in 2003 that provided 24/7, 3-phase uninterrupted power even to the villages of Gujarat. The results of this are for all to see- not only has the rural economy been substantially empowered but also migration to cities has reduced.

This initiative is a first of its kind across the nation. But, we went a step ahead in April this year when Gujarat dedicated 600 MW solar power to the nation! We are also making quick progress in other sources of renewable energy. Some people asked me, “Modi ji your state is already power surplus and still you are thinking about this?” I tell them that we are doing this not for the present but for the future generations.

Along with power, we made a determined effort to harness the Jal Shakti and in 2002 we came up with WASMO, an initiative that seeks to provide potable water in all villages across the state. Combining public participation and effective water management, today we have over 17,700 water committees across the state! You would be interested to know that most of these committees are run by women and WASMO bagged the United Nations Public Service Award for ‘fostering participation in policy making decisions through innovative mechanisms.’

An area in which I always wanted to leave an impeccable mark of Governance is primary education and especially for the girl child. That is why in 2004 we commenced a massive enrollment drive called the Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav. Today we have received 100% enrollment in school and the drop out rates have successfully reduced to 2% over the last decade. I must share that even more memorable than being sworn in as CM are the times when I get the opportunity to take small children to school on their first day! This initiative has helped many youngsters in building a future for themselves and their families.

Behind the development of Gujarat is the power of our Nari Shakti! To make a difference in the lives of our women, the Chiranjeevi Yojana was born in 2005 with an aim to provide pioneering free of cost medical treatment to women in hospitals. The Chiranjeevi Yojana has left a major mark in improving maternal health and the health of the infant. For effective participation of women in the development process Nari Gaurav Niti was initiated in 2006. This is a first of its kind policy for the overall empowerment of women. In order to make women financially independent the Mission Mangalam initiative was launched in 2010. Today, I am proud to say that businesses worth Rs. 1,600 crore are in the hands of 2.5 lakh Sakhi Mandals. You can imagine the difference it has made in the lives of so many women of Gujarat!

Earlier Gujarat was known for its industry and with a perpetual drought threat and lack of perennial rivers, agriculture and Gujarat were seen as stark contrasts. No longer today! Our Krishi Mahotsavs transformed Gujarat’s agrarian landscape and have played a major role in ushering in India’s 2nd green revolution from Gujarat. Not only has agriculture income increased over 4 times, Gujarat’s agriculture is growing at a record 11% for the last decade. Our farmers are doing some very innovative things, which you must come and see!

Ofcourse, industrial growth has scaled colossal heights in the past decade. Gujarat is home to a wide canvas of industries and with the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Summits started in 2003, the state has received tremendous investment from all over the world.

No progress is complete till we focus on delivery of effective healthcare and that is why this year the Gujarat Government took the path breaking decision of giving poor patients a cover of up to Rs. 2 lakh for critical treatment under the Mukhya Mantri Amrutam (MAA) Yojana. Our 108 Emergency services that have been running on the roads since 2007 have already been lauded for their operations all over. They have saved over 1.75 lakh lives and provided assistance in 10 lakh pregnancy cases.

In order to free people from the clutches of poverty the Garib Kalyan Melas were launched in 2009 in which over 85 lakh poor beneficiaries have received assistance worth Rs. 13,000 crore through over 1000 Garib Kalyan Melas. As a means to decentralize administration and empowering our Talukas the ATVT Yojana came into being last year and Jan Seva Kendras were established that provide 124 kinds of services to the people.

Friends, through these initiatives I am trying to encapsulate the unique journey of development that we have adopted for 11 years. I always say that our sole agenda is development and it will continue to be so in the future. In the last 11 years we have achieved a lot but there is a lot more we are yet to achieve and I am sure in the coming years with your support we will create a Gujarat that is both Bhavya (Excellent) and Divya (Divine).

I am extremely thankful to my fellow Karyakartas of the Bharatiya Janata Party for their steadfast support and giving an ordinary person like me an opportunity to serve the people of Gujarat.

This journey of 11 years would not have been possible without the constant support of more than 6 lakh Karma Yogis of Team Gujarat. It is their perseverance and devotedness that has enabled Gujarat to scale newer heights of development.

And finally I bow to the spirit of the 6 crore people of Gujarat. It is your love and affection that keeps me going, inspires me to work even harder and scale newer and newer heights of progress. I consider myself extremely blessed that I have got this opportunity to work for you!

 

Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat

Narendra Modi

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Mahatma Jyotirao Phule: A Light That Still Shows India the Way
April 11, 2026

Today, 11th April, is a deeply special day for all of us. It is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, one of India’s greatest social reformers and a guiding light for generations. This year, the occasion carries even greater significance, as it marks the beginning of his 200th birth anniversary celebrations.

Mahatma Phule was a great reformer. In addition to that, his was a life of moral courage, restless enquiry and unshakable commitment to social good. Mahatma Phule is remembered for the institutions he built and the movements he led. At the same time, his contribution to our civilisational journey lies in the hope he aroused, the confidence he instilled and the strength his thoughts continue to give to millions of people across the nation.

Born in the great state of Maharashtra in 1827, Mahatma Phule emerged from modest beginnings. But his initial hardships never stood in the way of his learning, his courage or his commitment to society. This is a trait that remained with him forever: whatever the challenges may be, one must work hard, acquire knowledge and mitigate those challenges instead of doing nothing about it. From his school days, young Jyotirao was deeply curious and became a voracious reader, often reading books far beyond what children his age were expected to engage with. Years later, he said, “The more questions we generate, the more knowledge emerges from them.” Clearly, the spirit of enquiry he was blessed with since his childhood remained constant in his journey.

Throughout his life, learning and education became central to Mahatma Phule’s mission. He recognised with rare clarity that knowledge is not a privilege to be guarded, but a force to be shared. At a time when the joys of learning were denied to many, he opened pioneering schools for girls and for those kept out of formal education. He used to say, “Any improvement that comes in children through mothers is deeply valuable. Therefore, if schools are to be opened, they should first be opened for girls.” He worked to create a new social imagination in which the classroom became an instrument of justice and equality..

His vision for education inspires us greatly. Over the last decade, we have worked to make research and innovation a cornerstone for the youth of India. Efforts are being made to create an ecosystem where young minds are encouraged to question, explore and innovate. By investing in knowledge, skills and opportunity, India is empowering its youth to become problem-solvers and drivers of national progress.

Due to his knowledge and wisdom, Mahatma Phule developed a strong understanding of areas such as agriculture, healthcare and rural development. He often said that injustice towards our farmers and workers weakens our society. He saw how social inequalities manifested themselves in daily life, be it in the farms or in villages. Hence, he immersed himself in ensuring dignity for the poor, the downtrodden and the marginalised. At the same time, he made every possible effort to ensure social harmony was maintained.

Mahatma Phule opined, “जोपर्यंत समाजातील सर्वांना समान अधिकार मिळत नाहीत, तोपर्यंत खरे स्वातंत्र्य मिळत नाही” (True freedom cannot be achieved until everyone in society is granted equal rights). And for that, he built institutions that translated this vision into action, contributing to a just society. The Satyashodhak Samaj, founded by him, was one of the most important social reform movements in modern India. It was at the forefront of social reform, community service and furthering human dignity. It became an effective voice for women, youngsters and those living in villages. This movement reflected Mahatma Phule’s intrinsic belief that society could be strengthened by placing at its core justice, respect for every person and a spirit of collective progress.

His personal life, too, carried lessons in courage. Always working and being among the people took a toll on his health. But even the most serious health challenges did not dim his resolve. After suffering a debilitating stroke, he continued to work and fulfil his vision. Yes, his body had been tested, but his commitment to society had not yielded. For millions today, especially those who draw courage from struggle, this remains one of the most powerful dimensions of his life.

No remembrance of Mahatma Phule can be complete without a respectful mention of Savitribai Phule, who was herself one of the tallest reformers of our nation. As one of India’s pioneering women teachers, she played a defining role in advancing education for girls, thus giving them the opportunity to pursue their dreams. After Mahatma Phule’s passing, Savitribai carried forward that torch and, in 1897, during a plague outbreak, she served victims with such devotion that she herself contracted the disease and lost her own life.

Our land has been blessed, time and again, by great men and women who have strengthened society through thought, sacrifice and action. They did not wait for change to arrive from somewhere else. They became its source. For hundreds of years in our land, the clarion call for social betterment has often risen from within society itself, from those who could see suffering clearly and refused to accept it as fate. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was one such voice.

I fondly recall my visit to Pune in 2022, when I had offered tributes to Mahatma Phule at his grand statue in the city. As we mark the beginning of his bicentenary year, the most fitting tribute to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule is about renewal. Renewal of our commitment to subjects close to his heart, such as education. Renewal of our sensitivity to injustice. Renewal of our faith that society can improve itself from within. His life tells us that the power of community can achieve miracles in India when joined with moral clarity and public purpose. That is why he still gives strength to millions. That is why his words and work still carry hope. And that is why, nearly two hundred years after his birth, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule remains not a figure of the past, but a guide for India’s future.