New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s central government completes one year of its third term on June 9. Not only the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but also opposition leaders and world figures consistently credit Modi’s charismatic political and social leadership for this success. However, instead of viewing it merely as an achievement of 11 years in office, Modi’s 25 years of governance—and the outcomes of his long-term vision for socio-economic development—should be considered.
In my view, since becoming Gujarat’s Chief Minister in 2001, Narendra Modi initiated a series of reforms and development programmes across various sectors while transforming the outdated style of governance. This process gained greater momentum after he became Prime Minister in 2014. His efforts to overcome challenges and accelerate development in education, healthcare, housing, roads, water, electricity, agriculture, and trade and industry have benefited millions of people. India has now reached fourth place in the global economic race, and every effort is being made to move swiftly toward the goal of a developed India by 2047.
It is also important to note that powerful world leaders like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping have not held uninterrupted governance for 25 years, nor do they face challenges as complex as those in India.
In the fight against terrorism, recent operations—such as Operation Sindoor—successfully destroyed terrorist bases and targeted Pakistan’s military airfields, showcasing India’s strong security system and global capabilities. Another response to the religiously motivated attack on tourists by Pakistani terrorists in Pahalgam came through the inauguration of the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River. This connected Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of the country by rail, facilitating travel for millions of Indians.
Modi has expressed satisfaction that every step taken by his government over the past 11 years has been dedicated to service, good governance, and the welfare of the poor.
Recently, he stated, “Our achievements during this period are not only unprecedented but have made life easier for 1.4 billion Indians. I am confident that, with our ongoing efforts, we will certainly achieve the goal of a developed and self-reliant India.”
In the past, families struggled to manage two meals a day. Now, under the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, free monthly rations are being provided. A recent video criticised earlier governments for failing to ensure that public funds reached the people, due to middlemen. Today, that money is transferred directly to citizens’ bank accounts. Previously, the cost of medical treatment was a life-threatening concern for poor families. Now, under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, hospital care is available free of charge.
Alongside progress, new history is being created. Over the last 11 years, initiatives like ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’ have led to major technological advancements, strengthening India’s global identity. Simultaneously, national security has also been reinforced.
I believe that for India’s long-term development, education and health must be given top priority. Without them, progress in any other field is unsustainable. In this regard, after introducing the New Education Policy (NEP), the Modi government has taken several important steps. Over the last decade, India has witnessed unprecedented growth in higher education infrastructure. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education, the number of higher education institutions grew by 13.8%—from 51,534 in 2014–15 to over 70,683 by May 2025. During the same period, the number of universities increased from 760 to 1,334, and colleges from 38,498 to 51,959. This surge reflects the government’s commitment to providing accessible and quality education for all.
Premier institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have also seen significant expansion. Since 2014, the number of IITs has increased from 16 to 23, IIMs from 13 to 21, and AIIMS from 7 to 23—more than tripling. The number of medical colleges has risen from 387 to over 2,045, collectively offering more than 190,000 medical seats as of 2024.
To further strengthen school education, the ‘PM Schools for Rising India’ (PM-SHRI) scheme was launched in September 2022, with a central budget of Rs 27,360 crore over five years. This scheme aims to upgrade 14,500 schools into model institutions aligned with the vision of NEP 2020.
Beyond academics, skill development has been central to India’s youth empowerment strategy. Since the launch of the ‘Skill India Mission’ in 2015, over 16.3 million youths have received training across various skill sectors. Additionally, over 10 crore people have benefited from the Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi schemes. Educated and healthy citizens are crucial for sustained progress in every field.
Cities such as Ayodhya, Somnath, Kashi, Mathura, and Ujjain have been beautified and developed as cultural and spiritual hubs, fostering emotional unity. Simultaneously, India’s national security is being enhanced through modernisation of all three defence forces and the indigenous production of weapons, resulting in record-breaking achievements.
India is now poised not just to meet its own defence needs but also to compete with developed nations in the global arms export market. The country has already purchased Rafale fighter jets from France, and Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale, is now setting up a plant in Hyderabad. In collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems, the plant will produce aircraft fuselages—bodies of Rafale jets. Dassault stated this initiative will strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and streamline global supply chains. The first Rafale fuselage from the Hyderabad plant is expected to be ready by FY 2028.
This is why it is often claimed that under Modi’s leadership, it is possible to raise the flag of victory on every front.