Twelve Years of the Modi Era: The Rise of Development, Trust, and a Resurgent India
- Lalit Gargg-
In the democratic history of India, certain periods are remembered not merely for a change in government but for the awakening of national consciousness. The twelve years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi represent one such defining era. It is not simply the story of a Prime Minister’s long tenure; it is the story of an India that has rediscovered itself with renewed confidence, fresh energy, and an enhanced global identity. By taking the oath of office for a third consecutive term, Narendra Modi surpassed the record of independent India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, as the longest-serving consecutively elected Prime Minister. This achievement is not merely a political milestone; it is a testament to the enduring trust that the people of India have repeatedly expressed through the democratic process. In a vast nation marked by immense linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity, the granting of three successive national mandates to one leader is both extraordinary and historic.
The most remarkable aspect of the Modi era is not development alone, but the harmonious blend of development and trust. If the Nehru era is remembered as the period of building modern India, the Modi era may well be remembered as the age of India’s renewed self-confidence. Modi has not merely built roads, bridges, airports, and digital infrastructure; he has instilled in millions of Indians the belief that India is second to none and is capable of assuming a leadership role on the global stage. One of Narendra Modi’s most distinctive qualities has been his ability to transform politics from a mere instrument of governance into a vehicle for fulfilling national aspirations and public sentiment. He is among the rare leaders who have elevated government schemes beyond administrative programs and turned them into mass movements. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) stands as a prime example. A subject once confined to municipal departments was transformed into a national mission linked to civic responsibility and collective character.
The Modi era will also be remembered for restoring India’s cultural identity and civilizational pride. National symbols, sacred sites, and cultural heritage that had long remained neglected have been revitalized and accorded new dignity. The construction of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya was not merely a religious event; it became a symbol of respect for the cultural sentiments of millions of Indians. Likewise, the redevelopment of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Mahakal Lok, Kedarnath, and Somnath reflects the belief that modernity and tradition are not opposing forces but complementary pillars of national progress. Another defining feature of Modi’s leadership has been the transformation of India’s foreign policy into an expression of self-confidence and strategic autonomy. A nation once viewed as balancing between global powers has emerged as a significant influencer of international discourse. Whether in the context of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, the crises in West Asia, India’s leadership of the G-20, or its advocacy for the Global South, India has played a decisive and constructive role. The world increasingly views India not merely as a developing nation but as a provider of solutions to global challenges.
One of the most significant achievements of the past twelve years has been the sincere effort to place the last person in the queue—the most marginalized citizen—at the center of governance. Initiatives such as the Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, the free food grain program, and Direct Benefit Transfers have transformed the lives of millions of underprivileged Indians. Transparency in governance has improved, and the role of intermediaries has been significantly reduced. Through the Digital India initiative, technology has reached not only metropolitan cities but also the remotest villages. A unique aspect of Narendra Modi’s leadership style is his unwavering sense of purpose and determination. He sets ambitious goals and transforms them into national missions. Whether it was the abrogation of Article 370, the prohibition of triple talaq, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, or firm action against terrorism and Naxalism, each decision involved considerable political risk. Yet he demonstrated the courage to act decisively. It is this willingness to take bold decisions that distinguishes him from many conventional politicians.
Like every democratic government, however, the Modi administration also faces significant challenges. Unemployment, inflation, agricultural distress, rising costs of education and healthcare, social inequalities, and uneven access to economic opportunities remain pressing concerns. If India is to achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, economic growth alone will not suffice. Equal emphasis must be placed on quality education, affordable healthcare, employment generation, and corruption-free governance. The coming years hold great expectations. The government’s campaign against corruption must become even more effective and far-reaching. India requires a system where integrity is not an exception but the norm. Education and healthcare must be liberated from the grip of profiteering interests and made genuinely accessible to ordinary citizens. Entrepreneurship should not remain confined to large industrial houses but should reach villages, youth, and women, enabling every citizen to become not merely a job seeker but a job creator.
I have had the privilege of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several occasions and observing him closely. In 2007, when he was serving as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, I had the opportunity to engage in an extensive interaction with him during a massive tribal convention held at Kawant in Gujarat under the guidance of the revered tribal Jain saint, Gani Rajendra Vijayji. Modi was not present merely as a ceremonial guest; he attended along with his entire cabinet, demonstrating his commitment to the development of tribal communities. On that occasion, he entrusted the operation of an Eklavya Model Residential School to our Sukhi Parivar Foundation for the educational advancement of tribal children and announced the historic ₹15,000-crore Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana for tribal welfare. This reflected his far-sighted vision and commitment to ensuring that development reaches the most marginalized sections of society. An especially memorable and historic moment also occurred during that gathering. Gani Rajendra Vijayji remarked to Narendra Modi, “You should now go to Delhi and take charge of the nation.” Modi responded with a gentle smile, “Who will take me to Delhi?” Yet there is often a prophetic power in the words of saints. What appeared to be a simple exchange at the time later proved to be remarkably prescient.
During those years, I also had several opportunities to visit the Gujarat Secretariat and meet Chief Minister Narendra Modi. What impressed me most was the culture of discipline and efficiency that permeated the administration. Even senior IAS officers exemplified punctuality, self-reliance, and professional accountability. Performing routine tasks independently, avoiding unnecessary protocol, valuing time, and placing responsibility above all else had become integral parts of the administrative ethos. It was evident that this work culture had evolved under the influence of the leadership at the top. Narendra Modi is not merely an administrator who issues directives; he is a leader who shapes institutions through personal example. India’s greatest strength lies in its youthful population. If this demographic energy is effectively linked with skill development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, India can become not only the world’s third-largest economy but also one of its most influential and dynamic economic powers. Likewise, by ensuring the full participation of women in the development process, the pace of nation-building can be accelerated manifold.
Perhaps the most significant achievement of the Modi era cannot be measured solely through statistics, infrastructure projects, or electoral victories. It lies in the psychological transformation visible across the Indian populace. Over the past twelve years, Narendra Modi has built not only physical infrastructure but also a vision of the future that has inspired millions of Indians. His dream of a developed India by 2047 will be realized only if development is accompanied by trust, prosperity by equal opportunity, and power by compassion and sensitivity. If this balance is maintained, history will remember the Modi era not merely as a long political tenure, but as an age marked by India’s renewed self-confidence, cultural renaissance, and emergence as a leading global power.
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