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These eleven Republic Day celebrations aren’t merely ceremonial milestones; they are a reflection of a leader who has consistently worked to uplift the nation, putting Bharat above everything else.
Counting from 1950, when the Constitution was first adopted, 2025 marks India’s 76th Republic Day. This milestone is particularly significant as it also commemorates 75 years since the inception of the Constitution, making it a historic moment for the nation. The importance of this day hardly needs explanation, as its significance is deeply rooted in every Indian’s heart. From January 26, 2015, to date, the Republic Day of 2025 will be the 11th to be celebrated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In this article, I aim to provide readers with a vivid overview of how, over these 11 years, PM Modi has devoted himself to the betterment of the nation through his vision and leadership.
The first thing every citizen of this great nation must understand is that, universally, a person’s primary focus is often on ensuring stability for their family—be it by securing their children’s education in reputed institutions, establishing a business, constructing a home, or providing them with a comfortable life. This principle holds true for individuals in any position, whether bureaucratic or political. Family often takes precedence, with public service following as a secondary concern. However, let me take my readers through a tale that stands as a beacon of inspiration—a tale that redefines the meaning of selflessness and patriotism. It is the story of our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a leader whose love and devotion for his nation transcends personal interests.
As I described earlier, most individuals prioritize their families above all else. However, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi often says, “Bharat Mera Parivaar Hai”—a statement that truly resonates with his life and actions. Unlike others, he neither has a wife nor children, so for whom would he build bungalows or accumulate wealth? His family is the 1.4 billion people of this country, and his selfless dedication to them is unparalleled. While people in high positions often focus on personal gains, constructing houses for their offspring, PM Modi, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), has transformed millions of lives. As of June 12, 2024, 2.94 crore houses have been sanctioned, with 2.62 crore already completed, drastically improving the living conditions of rural families. Where others might set up businesses for their children, PM Modi, through the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), empowers the youth by providing financial assistance to start their own small-scale businesses, creating employment opportunities across the nation. While many strive to provide food for their families, PM Modi, through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), ensures that millions of vulnerable families do not go hungry. This initiative has reached 81.35 crore beneficiaries, significantly reducing the financial burden on the poor. While many at high positions save money to secure their family’s future, PM Modi works tirelessly to secure the future of the nation. For example, where others might focus on creating personal wealth for their children, PM Modi launched the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana—a scheme designed to empower the daughters of India by ensuring their financial security and education. Since its inception, this initiative has provided a reliable savings plan for millions of families, helping them build a better future for their daughters. For students whose educational aspirations are hindered by financial challenges, the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) scheme has been a game-changer. It reimburses fees and other expenses for underprivileged students, enabling them to pursue their dreams without limitations. This is what sets PM Modi apart as the leader of the poorest and most vulnerable in India. Through his policies and unwavering dedication, he remains deeply connected to the ground realities, ensuring that every Indian is treated as a member of his Parivaar. His vision and initiatives exemplify what it means to truly serve a nation selflessly.
Narendra Modi is the first Prime Minister of India to seamlessly witness 11 Republic Day celebrations during his tenure. This remarkable achievement highlights not just the longevity of his leadership but also the unwavering trust the people of India have placed in him. It’s not merely about presiding over Republic Day celebrations; it symbolizes the hope, energy, vision, and resilience he has instilled in the nation, leading to his continued electoral success. An elderly Sufi once shared a profound thought with me: “It is easy to climb to the most delicate peak of the mountain, but it is far more difficult to stay there even for a moment.” By this, he meant that achieving success is one thing, but maintaining it seamlessly is the true mark of greatness. Since 2014, Modi Ji has not only achieved unparalleled milestones but has also sustained the expectations and trust of the people. Over the past decade, he has consistently delivered on promises, ensuring progress and stability, making his tenure a true testament to enduring leadership.
Transforming the Kashmir Story
As a Kashmiri, I feel compelled to share why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is admired here in the Valley. Over the last four years, during the absence of a regional government and with Jammu and Kashmir under the direct administration of New Delhi, the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Not a single stone-pelting incident has been reported, let alone the tragic loss of someone’s son, father, or husband to violence. For the first time in decades, Kashmir’s academic calendar has run uninterrupted, marking a new era of stability for our youth. Terrorism has hit unprecedented lows, infrastructural development has reached par excellence, and tourism is breaking records with footfalls from across the globe. Rural areas, often neglected, are witnessing remarkable development. Grassroots democracy has been revived, with Panchayati Raj institutions playing a pivotal role. Railway connectivity is advancing at a rapid pace, and the GI tagging of our handicrafts is finally bringing global recognition to Kashmiri artisanship. The elder generations, who have lived through tumultuous times, now pray fervently for Modi Ji’s well-being, seeing their children live a normal, peaceful life—a long-held dream turned reality, made possible by a visionary leader from Gujarat. Perhaps it’s these heartfelt prayers that keep Modi Ji’s energy and resolve unmatched, as he continues to rejuvenate Kashmir with unwavering dedication.
Conclusion
As I sit back and reflect on these eleven years of PM Modi’s leadership, I am reminded of a conversation I had with an elderly Kashmiri man last winter. His eyes welled up as he spoke about the days when fear gripped the valley, when sending children to school felt like sending them into uncertainty. “Today,” he said, “I see my grandchildren going to school, my sons coming home on time, and my family laughing around the dinner table.” For him, it wasn’t just about policies or programs—it was about a life restored, a hope rekindled.
These eleven Republic Day celebrations aren’t merely ceremonial milestones; they are a reflection of a leader who has consistently worked to uplift the nation, putting Bharat above everything else. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Srinagar that now brim with tourists, the renewed faith in grassroots democracy, or the transformative schemes that have touched the lives of millions, this journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. For me, as a Kashmiri and an Indian, these years stand as a testament to how vision, dedication, and a sense of belonging can lead to real change. Modi Ji has shown us that leadership isn’t just about occupying a position; it’s about being present in the lives of people, understanding their struggles, and paving the way for their dreams. The India of today—resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking—is a testament to these years of unwavering commitment. As we step into the 76th Republic Day, it’s not just a celebration of our Constitution but a celebration of the journey we’ve undertaken together, guided by a leader who truly sees Bharat as his Parivaar.
The Writer is a student activist and can be reached at soulofkashmir1@gmail.com
