As the National Democratic Alliance government completes eight successful years under Narendra Modi, I see it as the most fulfilling journey of making a ‘New India’. New India is resilient, strong, capable and atmanirbhar, and its strong foundations have been laid by the PM. During these eight years came the most challenging period of the corona pandemic, but under the PM’s decisive and strong leadership India bravely and unitedly faced this challenge even as our journey of making a New India continued uninterrupted. The pandemic badly disrupted economic activities across the globe. Even today we see large economies struggling to battle the after-effects of the pandemic.
The Indian economy too was affected. But thanks to the PM’s timely interventions through effective policies and programmes, we were able to safeguard our economy to a large extent. When even developed nations felt helpless before the pandemic, the PM came up with Atmanirbhar Bharat Yojna to bring 135 crore Indians out of gloom and distress. This plan also revived our economy. And it showed the world how to create opportunities even in adversity. The Rs 20 lakh crore package under the Atmanibhar Bharat scheme gave a new lease of life to our economy. It ensured that India remains the top performing economy despite facing the pandemic. Today India is the world’s sixth largest economy, and we have improved our performance in the Ease of Doing Business index from 142nd place in 2015 to 63rd position. India has become the world’s top investment destination. Riding on the strong foundations of self-reliance, India, under the PM’s leadership, is on the path of becoming an economic superpower. From the very beginning of his tenure, the PM’s focus has been on inclusive development, in which needs and aspirations of all sections of society are taken care of. But it is the welfare of the poorest of the poor that underlines all
his policies and programmes. In 2014 the Modi government launched the Jan Dhan Yojna, which brought crores of poor people into the economic mainstream. The principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas defines the government, and its goal is to ensure that benefits of government policies and programmes reach the citizens who are at the bottom of the development pyramid. Schemes like Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat, Mudra, PM Kisan-Maandhan, Swachh Bharat, Saubhagya, PM Awas and DBT have not only empowered poor and weaker sections, they have also bridged the gap between haves and have-nots. The scale and effective implementation of these schemes have been the hallmark of the Modi government. It’s the first time since Independence that the poor and those belonging to weaker sections have become true stakeholders in the government. One of the high points of the Modi government has been the deep focus on our national security, while it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
As a result, we no longer see just lip service being paid on terror attacks as was done by the previous Congress governments – the Modi government responds with surgical strikes and air strikeson terror camps across borders. This tangible change has been brought about by a powerful and decisive government. During the previous Congress regimes, shortage of arms and ammunition had become the order of the day, but under the Modi government we have become self-sufficient in arms and ammunition. We are equipping our army with the latest equipment, while domestic production to meet the needs of our armed forces is also being enhanced.
Today we have ultra-modern fighters like Rafale guarding our borders, while the S-400 missile system has strengthened our defence mechanism. India, which used to be heavily dependent on defence imports, exported defence equipment worth over Rs 10,000 crore in 2019. Our target is to cross Rs 35,000 crore by 2025. All this is possible because for the Modi government national security is not a matter of politics, it is about putting ‘Nation First’. Our government cannot compromise with national security and integrity. On the global arena, the PM has made the world realise the importance and significance of India. He has restored India’s rightful position in the global order. From making the world realise the importance of global warming to showing it how to deal with the corona crisis – all this has enhanced India’s position.
The PM, by using to his advantage various global forums, has also shown the world the richness and diversity of our great culture. Global recognition of yoga and ayurveda is the outcome of these efforts. One of the key features of the Modi government’s foreign policy has been non-alignment and the goal of a free and fair global order. Today India’s voice matters in every global issue and the PM’s views are given importance. This is evident from the fact that he has been honoured by the United Nations as well as several countries. This also reflects the growing stature of India globally.
The PM is known for his big and bold decisions, and he derives his strength from the trust and blessings of 135 crore Indians. Due to this trust and faith, people commit themselves to his vision of building a strong and self-reliant India.
It doesn’t surprise me at all when I see people’s unflinching backing for the PM’s appeal on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, their voluntary surrender of LPG subsidy, as well as their support for demonetisation and the lockdown.
Today when the Modi government completes its eight years, the nation is celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It is the time to recommit ourselves to the next 25 years. The past eight years have given India a strong foundation on which our nation’s future is being built. This will make India even more strong, self-reliant and self-sufficient.
Author: Amit Shah
Disclaimer:
It is part of an endeavour to collect stories which narrate or recount people’s anecdotes/opinion/analysis on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi & his impact on lives of people.
