On October 7, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 25 continuous years as the head of a government, marking a significant milestone in his public life. His journey began on October 7, 2001, when he first took the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, before becoming the Prime Minister of India in 2014. He used the occasion to call for a collective “we will do it” attitude to achieve India's development goals by 2047.

Why in the News?

PM Modi addressed the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha to mark 25 years of his public service. He first became the Chief Minister of Gujarat in October 2001 and later became Prime Minister of India. He has remained in public office continuously since then.

Vision for a Developed India by 2047

PM Modi emphasised the role of collective national effort in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The development goals highlighted include:

  • Becoming one of the top three economies in the world.
  • Making India a self-reliant global manufacturing hub.
  • Strengthening India's position to host the Olympic Games.
  • Expanding India's capabilities in space exploration.

Focus on Collective Development

The Prime Minister said that development should benefit all sections of society. He highlighted that problems such as lack of water and electricity affect people irrespective of caste or community.

  • Therefore, development solutions should also be inclusive and universal.
  • This approach links the development agenda with social cohesion and inclusive growth.

Poverty Reduction

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi highlighted the government's achievement of lifting 25 crore people out of poverty as an example of a development outcome that was once considered difficult to achieve. He argued that India's large population can become a major strength if its potential is effectively utilised.

From Organisational Work to Public Office

PM Modi recalled that when he became Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001, he had primarily worked as an organisational worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

  • He said that his approach to public life was shaped by the principle of working for a mission rather than personal ambition.

“Made in India” and Manufacturing

Referring to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, PM Modi highlighted the importance of India's capabilities and expressed the aspiration that the world should eventually recognise “Made in India” aircraft. The broader message was linked to India's ambition to become a stronger manufacturing and technology hub.

Significance

The completion of 25 years in public office provides a context for highlighting India's long-term development goals. The major themes of the address included:

  • Viksit Bharat @ 2047
  • Self-reliance and manufacturing
  • Poverty reduction
  • Inclusive development
  • Space and technological capabilities
  • Social unity
  • Collective participation in national development

Conclusion

The address focused on converting India's demographic and economic potential into inclusive development by 2047. The emphasis on Make in India, manufacturing, technology, collective responsibility, and social cohesion reflects the broader vision of Viksit Bharat, with a focus on strengthening domestic capabilities and creating sustainable growth opportunities.