On June 9, 2024, Shri Narendra Modi was sworn in for an unprecedented third term as India’s Prime Minister, following a resounding victory in the 2024 Parliamentary elections. This historic win solidified his leadership and reaffirmed the trust of millions of Indians in his vision for the nation. The 2024 elections saw remarkable voter turnout, showcasing the continued confidence of the electorate in Modi’s leadership, which has been defined by a focus on economic development, national security, and social welfare programs.
A Strong Foundation for the Future
Narendra Modi’s third term aims to build upon the foundations laid during his previous tenures. With a renewed focus on technological innovation, infrastructure development, and international diplomacy, the government is set to further position India as a global powerhouse. The Prime Minister’s enduring appeal and ability to connect with the common citizen underscore the trust placed in him by the nation to lead towards greater prosperity and stability.
As the first Prime Minister born after Independence, Modi has previously served from 2014 to 2019 and 2019 to 2024. Before this, he was the longest-serving Chief Minister of Gujarat from October 2001 to May 2014. Under his leadership, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved record wins in the 2014 and 2019 Parliamentary elections, securing absolute majorities both times—a feat not seen since the 1984 elections.
A New Era of Inclusive Governance
Modi’s governance is inspired by the motto “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” (Together with All, Development for All, Trust of All). This inclusive approach has led to a paradigm shift in governance, marked by transparency, efficiency, and a focus on development. One of his administration’s key achievements is the rapid reduction of poverty. According to NITI Aayog’s report, “Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06,” nearly 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last nine years—a testament to the government’s targeted initiatives to address various dimensions of poverty.
Revolutionizing Healthcare and Financial Inclusion
Under Modi’s leadership, India launched Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest healthcare program, covering over 50 crore Indians and providing affordable healthcare to the poor and neo-middle class. This initiative has been lauded by The Lancet for addressing long-standing issues in India’s healthcare sector. Moreover, recognizing the need for financial inclusion, Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, which has opened over 51 crore bank accounts, bringing millions of unbanked citizens into the formal economy. The program has paved the way for further empowerment through initiatives like Jan Suraksha, providing insurance and pension cover to vulnerable sections of society.
Empowering Women and Rural Communities
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, launched in 2016, has provided free cooking gas connections to over 10 crore households, significantly improving the quality of life for women by offering smoke-free kitchens. Furthermore, the electrification of 18,000 previously unconnected villages and the sanctioning of over 4.2 crore houses under the PM Awas Yojana reflect Modi’s commitment to providing dignity and a better quality of life to every citizen.
Transforming Agriculture and Rural Development
Agriculture has always been close to Modi’s heart. Initiatives like the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, which provides direct income support to farmers, Soil Health Cards, E-NAM for better market access, and the creation of the Jal Shakti Ministry to manage water resources, have transformed the agricultural landscape. As of June 2024, over 9.2 crore farmers have benefited from the PM-KISAN scheme, underscoring Modi’s commitment to farmers’ welfare.
A Clean and Healthy India: The Swachh Bharat Mission
One of Modi’s landmark initiatives, the Swachh Bharat Mission, launched on October 2, 2014, became a mass movement for cleanliness across the nation. The mission has been successful in achieving 100% sanitation coverage, with all states and Union Territories being declared open defecation free (ODF). The World Health Organization has noted that this mission could save up to three lakh lives, a testament to its profound impact on public health.
Building World-Class Infrastructure
Recognizing that robust infrastructure is crucial for national growth, Modi’s government has prioritized the development of next-generation infrastructure. The UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme has democratized air travel, making it accessible to the common man and enhancing connectivity across the country. Moreover, the “Make in India” initiative has turned India into a global manufacturing hub, significantly improving the country’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business index.
Global Leadership and Environmental Stewardship
Modi has been at the forefront of redefining India’s foreign policy, reinforcing its role as the world’s largest democracy. His proactive diplomacy, marked by visits to key countries and participation in global forums like the UN, BRICS, SAARC, and G-20, has elevated India’s voice on international platforms. Recognizing his commitment to environmental causes, Modi was honored with the United Nations ‘Champions of the Earth Award.’ His efforts to promote solar energy culminated in the launch of the International Solar Alliance in 2018.
A Vision for a Digital and Tech-Enabled India
Modi’s tenure has seen a significant push towards digital transformation. The JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) has revolutionized governance by eliminating middlemen and ensuring transparency and speed in service delivery. His tech-savvy approach extends to his personal engagement with citizens through social media, making him one of the most connected leaders globally.
A Leader for the People
Born on September 17, 1950, in a humble family in Gujarat, Modi’s journey from a small-town boy to a national leader is inspiring. His early hardships shaped his understanding of the common man’s struggles and fueled his passion for public service. With a Master’s degree in political science from Gujarat University, Modi began his political journey with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later joined the BJP, where he worked at both state and national levels.
