To depict the exploits of Prime Minister Modi, ever since he assumed office, in a few words, would be like trying to put an ocean in a small vessel. In the decades to come, his exemplary contribution to saving India, which otherwise would have slipped into an abyss that the Congress and its cronies had ensured, will be duly recognised. Prime Minister Modi exhibits a mindset, and pursues a governance ethos, enshrined in our Vedic philosophy. Before his appearance on the Indian panorama, the ruling elite had a colonial and subservient mindset, too timid of taking bold decisions.
Indian scriptures outline numerous attributes of an ideal ruler — one who is competent, compassionate, and capable of reconciling differences while maintaining a firm stance against injustice. These are among the thirty-six virtues of an ideal king described in the Mahabharata. Mahabharata hero Bhishma proclaimed that whether it is the era that shapes the king, or the king who shapes the era, there is no doubt — it is the king who determines whether the times will be good or bad.
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Mr Modi has demonstrated his unequivocal support to these ancient and time-tested attributes by imbibing these in his personal life and conduct. The construction of Ram Temple and the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor stand as testimony to his commitment to preserve the Vedic pillars of our civilisation without offending the sentiments of other faiths. His initiative to launch International Yoga Day was globally welcomed, even by the United Nations and marks as a significant step in the revival of India’s spiritual renaissance.
It would require volumes to describe the complete account of his achievements. In this brief account, we throw light on four sectors that he transformed: the economy, the social sector, the environment and health.
Despite rapid industrialisation, agriculture still remains the largest source of employment. Around 40 per cent of workers get employment in agriculture, while only 20 per cent work in manufacturing and other services. Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai aim to boost productivity by expanding irrigation facilities. Farmers are also being trained on modern irrigation techniques which will promote the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ initiative. Additionally, initiatives like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana support sustainable and organic farming practices.
Government Programs and Initiatives like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana — National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), and other schemes have significantly contributed to poverty alleviation. According to the World Bank,there was a decline in extreme poverty from 27.1 per cent in 2011-12 to 5.3 per cent in 2022-23.
In the social sector Mr Modi has placed a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment and the welfare of the girl chid. Historically, women have faced inadequate access to education, healthcare, employment, and decision-making-particularly in rural and marginalised communities. Since 2014, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the scenario has transformed.
The Modi Government initiated scores of schemes for women’s welfare. Schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mission Shakti, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, have contributed to women-led development. Schemes such as PM Awas Yojana, DAY-NRLM, and agricultural support initiatives have helped women achieve greater financial and social independence.
On the environmental front, air pollution remains a major concern in India. Urban residents in many cities are exposed to hazardous pollution levels. What is less widely recognised is the severe impact of household air pollution from burning crop residues, wood, and other solid fuels. In 2020 alone, household air pollution was responsible for over 2,37,000 deaths of children under the age of five. Women and children are the worst affected, and this crisis went largely unaddressed for decades.
To combat the scourge of household air pollution, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in May 2016. PMUY focused on providing deposit free LPG connections to adult women from poor households, promoting health and environmental sustainability by replacing traditional cooking fuels like firewood and cow-dung cakes.
Over these nine years, the scheme has transformed the lives of millions across the country. As of 01.03.2025, there are 10.33 crore PMUY connections across India.
In recognition of India’s efforts to restore its natural heritage, the United Nations honoured the Indian Government with a special award for its initiative to rejuvenate the Ganges River.
Pollution of major rivers remains a serious concern in India, but the Ganges basin — home to over 520 million people and nearly 25,000 plant and animal species — is showing signs of revival. The Gangetic plain contributes to 40 per cent of India’s GDP, and its forests play a vital role in carbon capture.
Indian Government initiated an ambitious scheme known as the ‘Namami Gange Programme’. The resulting reduction in pollution has helped reverse deforestation; 1,500 kms of the river’s 2,525 stretch have been rejuvenated and 30,000 hectares of forests restored. The United Nations has recognised the initiative to rejuvenate India’s sacred Ganges River as one of the ten pioneering efforts to revive the natural world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also recognised for his environmental leadership with a Champions of the Earth Award in Delhi. His advocacy for the International Solar Alliance — aimed at scaling solar energy in solar-rich nations-demonstrates India’s global environmental vision.
On the health front, the Prime Minister Modi in his address to the 76th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland emphasised that “India’s traditional wisdom says that the absence of illness is not the same as good healthâ€. The Prime Minister noted that one must not only be free from ailments but also take a step towards wellness. Highlighting the benefits of traditional systems such as Yoga, Ayurveda and meditation, the Prime Minister explained that it addresses physical, mental and social aspects of health and expressed pride that the WHO’s first Global Centre for Traditional Medicine is being established in India. He also celebrated the global recognition of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, promoting awareness of this vital and nutritious grain.
During the G20 Summit he announced India’s holistic philosophy of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. He mentioned India’s vision of ‘One Earth One Health’. He emphasised that India’s vision is not restricted to just humans, but extends to the entire ecosystem including animals, plants and the environment stressing that human health is interconnected with the wellbeing of the biosphere.
Highlighting India’s commitment to provide accessible and affordable healthcare, the Prime Minister announced the world’s largest health insurance scheme — Ayushman Bharat, the massive ramping up of health infrastructure, and the drive to provide sanitation and drinking water to millions of families in the country.
In summary, Narendra Modi exemplifies democratic governance as espoused by our revered ancestors. When King Dasharatha, in his old age, wished to abdicate the throne, he sought the counsel and consent of his royal court before handing the crown to Sri Ram. This tradition of humility and duty continues today. When Sri Ram was informed of his coronation by Sage Vashishtha, he and Mata Sita calmly returned to their palace, bathed, and worshipped the Almighty in accordance with Vedic tradition. Similarly, Prime Minister Modi’s visits to temples, spiritual institutions, and revered gurus are expressions of devotion, not mere ceremony. His leadership reflects deep cultural roots and spiritual grounding. India’s future is secure in his hands, and the country’s stature on the global stage continues to rise. It may not be long before the world looks to India as a Vishwa Guru-a teacher of nations.
(The writer is Senior BJP leader, former Union Health Minister, Environment, Science and Technology, Earth Sciences.)
