On October 7, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 23 years of leadership, a journey that began in 2001 when he took charge as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Over the past two decades, Modi has not only transformed Gujarat from a state in crisis to a thriving economic powerhouse but also elevated India’s standing on the global stage. His emphasis on development, digitalization, infrastructure, and social welfare has shaped India into a rising global leader.
Gujarat’s Crisis Before 2001: A State in Decline
Before Modi’s tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, the state was in serious trouble. The mid-1980s saw Gujarat grapple with a severe drought that lasted three years, from 1985 to 1987. Over 11,000 of the 18,000 villages in the state were left without drinking water, and the agricultural sector was devastated. Livelihoods were shattered, forcing many to leave the state in search of better opportunities. Industries faced supply chain disruptions, and Gujarat’s economy was on the verge of collapse.
Narendra Modi Becomes Chief Minister of Gujarat
In October 2001, Narendra Modi took over as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, a state in dire need of revival. His leadership brought a focus on water conservation and economic reform, both crucial to pulling the state out of its crisis.
One of his first initiatives was the Sujalam Sufalam Yojana, aimed at solving the state’s water crisis. Modi spearheaded the construction of an extensive network of canals, check dams, and reservoirs, addressing the water needs of the state. This initiative not only made Gujarat water surplus but also revived agriculture and industries that depended on a stable water supply. In parallel, Modi’s emphasis on community-led water management helped ensure the sustainability of water resources for the long term.
Another major initiative under Modi’s leadership was the Jyotigram Scheme, which ensured 24-hour electricity supply to rural areas. This brought a new wave of transformation to Gujarat’s agricultural sector, enabling farmers to use water pumps and modern machinery. Rural industries also benefited from this initiative, as uninterrupted power helped them function smoothly, increasing productivity and boosting local economies.
Gujarat’s Economic Transformation: A Global Destination for Investment
As Chief Minister, Modi didn’t just solve Gujarat’s immediate crises—he had bigger plans for the state. One of the key initiatives was the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, launched in 2003. The event was designed to attract global investors by showcasing Gujarat as a business-friendly destination. Over the years, it became a massive success, drawing billions in investment commitments and positioning Gujarat as an industrial hub.
Modi’s vision extended to urban development as well, with projects like the Sabarmati Riverfront revitalizing neglected areas. This project turned the banks of the Sabarmati River into thriving public spaces, contributing to tourism, urban development, and local business growth. The riverfront project symbolized Modi’s approach to governance, combining infrastructure development with opportunities for economic growth.
Taking Charge of India: Narendra Modi as Prime Minister
After his successful stint as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi was elected as India’s Prime Minister in 2014. His leadership at the national level mirrored the transformation he brought to Gujarat, but on a much larger scale. Modi’s first major initiative as Prime Minister was Digital India, a campaign designed to bring millions of Indians into the digital age. The initiative focused on expanding internet access, promoting digital literacy, and making government services available online. It empowered citizens by making e-governance more accessible and transparent, revolutionizing the way people interact with the government.
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, another landmark initiative, aimed at improving public sanitation across the country. The campaign resulted in the construction of over 100 million toilets and declared numerous villages open defecation-free, improving overall hygiene and health standards.
Welfare Programs: Addressing Farmers and Affordable Housing
Recognizing the challenges faced by India’s farmers, Modi launched the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi. This scheme provides direct income support to more than 11 crore farmers, helping them reduce debt and invest in better resources for their crops. This initiative was a significant step towards securing the livelihoods of farmers and improving their financial stability.
Another major focus of Modi’s administration has been providing affordable housing through the PM Awas Yojana. Over 4 crore houses have been built under this scheme, giving millions of Indians the chance to own homes. The emphasis on affordable and sustainable development has made homeownership more accessible to India’s lower-income groups.
Revolutionizing Healthcare: Ayushman Bharat
Under Modi’s leadership, healthcare in India saw a massive transformation with the introduction of Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest government-funded healthcare program. This initiative provides free health insurance to over 50 crore citizens, ensuring that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. By reducing the financial burden of medical expenses, Ayushman Bharat has helped millions of poor and middle-class families avoid crippling healthcare costs.
India’s Rise as a Global Manufacturing Hub: Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
One of Modi’s key strategies has been boosting India’s manufacturing capabilities through initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. These programs encourage local production, reduce reliance on imports, and promote job creation in sectors like electronics, automobiles, and defense manufacturing. The government introduced Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes with an investment of ₹1.97 lakh crore (US$26 billion) to further boost domestic manufacturing. As a result, India’s exports have increased, and foreign investment has surged, strengthening the country’s economy.
India’s foreign exchange reserves have reached an all-time high of $700 billion, a significant increase from the less than $300 billion in 2013–14, showcasing the country’s growing economic strength.
Global Leadership: G20 Presidency and Beyond
India’s hosting of the G20 Summit in 2023 marked another milestone in Modi’s leadership. As the world looked to India for solutions on global economic recovery, climate action, and digital transformation, India’s prominence on the world stage increased. Modi’s diplomatic initiatives, like Vaccine Maitri (India’s effort to supply COVID-19 vaccines to over 100 countries), and the International Solar Alliance, solidified India’s position as a global leader in promoting renewable energy and cooperation.
India’s growing influence has also strengthened its bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, and many countries now support India’s inclusion. In a world marked by conflict, India has emerged as a reliable partner and friend, further cementing its position as a global power.
Infrastructure and Technology: Transforming India’s Future
Under Modi’s leadership, India’s infrastructure development has accelerated at an unprecedented pace. From expanding highways and airports to developing world-class railway networks, these projects have not only improved connectivity but also boosted economic growth. Modi’s vision of a New India includes building a robust infrastructure that supports both urban and rural development.
The Digital India initiative has transformed India into a digital powerhouse. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has revolutionized how Indians conduct financial transactions, making India a global leader in real-time payments. The rise of startups under Startup India and the rollout of 5G technology have positioned India as a hub for technological innovation.
Economic Growth and Reforms: Strengthening India’s Economy
Compared to the previous UPA regime, where India’s economic growth was often hindered by inefficiencies, Modi’s tenure has brought about significant reforms. Initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code have streamlined India’s business environment. Ease of Doing Business reforms have attracted more foreign direct investment, and India has consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
