New Delhi: At the launch of the book, “Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade”, edited by Dr Aishwarya Pandit, Chairperson of the ITV Foundation and Associate Professor at Jindal Global Law School, Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, describing his term as a momentous and a turning point in India’s history post 1947.
Along with the Home Minister, on the dais were present Union Minister Manohar Lal, Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma, the editor of the book, Dr Aishwarya Pandit, and NewsX editorial director Priya Sahgal.
Amit Shah emphasized that when India’s history would be written, PM Modi’s name would be written in “golden letters” even by his critics. Reflecting on the 2014 Lok Sabha electoral victory, the Home Minister highlighted how the BJP won from all corners of the country, from Ladakh to Kanyakumari to Assam.
Talking about the narrative and India’s history, the Home Minister emphasized that India’s history can be categorized into three significant periods. “First is before & after Independence. Second is before & after Emergency. Third is before & after Narendra Modi,” he said.
He further highlighted that in the Modi era, the country has been witnessing transformations in almost every sector, setting the foundation for a Viksit Bharat.
He stated that while India gained Independence from the British Raj in 1947, true freedom from colonial influence was realized only in 2014.
Praising India’s inclusivity and acceptance of other cultures, languages and people, he said how communities like Parsis integrated seamlessly and contributed significantly to the nation.
“As I am from Gujarat, many Parsis facing atrocities hundreds of years back came to this land and we accepted them wholeheartedly. And this is what India is. We accept everyone. And today if you will see, Parsis have a huge role in the country’s development and in economic sector”, he remarked. Underscoring numerous developments in the last one decade under PM Modi’s era, Amit Shah cited achievements in multiple sectors including in infrastructure, economy, defence and others.
Talking about the Covid period, he lauded India’s exemplary handling of the Covid pandemic, ensuring vaccination to 130 crore citizen and minimizing losses. PM Modi, he said, turned development into a mass movement, giving the country a clear direction.
Speaking of the PM’s long journey, the Home Minister recalled knowing him since the 1980s as an RSS worker who travelled by bike and bus, eating with the poor. He credited PM Modi for raising the issue of sanitation and credited him for bringing toilets, health insurance, and free ration to 60 crore people—something previous governments failed to do.
He attributed this to the PM’s grassroots connections, unlike past leaders.
Shah also highlighted major milestones such as the abrogation of Article 370, the rise in tourism in Kashmir, and ISRO’s achievements. He asserted that PM Modi has ended dynastic politics, casteism, and polarization, leading India towards a brighter future.
Articulating a vision of India’s future, he said that the next 25 years will be crucial for the nation, referred to as “Amrit Kaal”. He also expressed optimism that by 2047, India will not only be fully developed but will also maintain its cultural identity.