The PM’s vision shapes a new India, guided by his  farsightedness. ‘If there is someone who inspires me today, it is  Modi’ says Shinde  

Today, September 17, is the day we celebrate the birthday of the people’s leader who has elevated India’s name across the world and whom we can rightly call the architect of a new era – our respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Through this article, I extend my heartfelt birthday wishes to him and pray that God blesses him with good health and that he continues to inspire us in the service of the nation for many years to come. His work as Prime Minister over the past eleven years has been a matter of pride for every Indian.

Three years ago, with his blessings, I got the opportunity to lead Maharashtra – a progressive and pioneering state. I took oath as the Chief Minister and Devendra Ji as the Deputy Chief Minister. That was a brief moment, but immediately afterwards I interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, and his words at that time still echo in my ears: “You are a grassroots leader. I am confident that with your experience, you will take a state like Maharashtra to great heights. Work together, do good work, and if you need any help, let me know. We will all work for Maharashtra’s development.”

Truly, if there is any living example of one who rules over the hearts of crores of people, it is Narendra Modi Ji. I am the leader of Shiv Sena in the NDA alliance. The Bharatiya Janata Party is a powerful national party, and a leader of the stature of Modi Ji entrusting a responsibility of this scale to a worker like me and giving me courage – this is a great achievement of my life.

Before becoming Chief Minister, I never had the chance to meet a towering personality like Narendra Modi Ji personally. Perhaps only occasionally, at some programme alongside senior Shiv Sena leaders, I might have seen him. But in the past three years, I have had many opportunities to meet him in Maharashtra and Delhi. Whether it was a meeting of just a few minutes or an entire day – each one has been like a magical touch for me. His clear and touching conversations, combined with light humour, are unforgettable for anyone.

Modi Ji’s life is a symbol of struggle and inspiration. Despite difficult circumstances, imbibing the values of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, working as a volunteer, then becoming the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and for the past eleven years taking the country to new heights as Prime Minister – this is truly a saga of success. Modi Ji is a living example of “hard work, honesty, and devotion to the nation.” He is not a product of dynastic politics or a privileged leader, and that is why the common people see themselves reflected in him.

In the last ten years, India has become the world’s third-largest economy – no small achievement. Campaigns like Digital India, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat have given the country a new identity. Innovative schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana have transformed the lives of crores of poor people.

By linking cleanliness to national development through the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, by providing health security to the poor through Ayushman Bharat, and smoke-free kitchens to mothers through the Ujjwala Yojana – all this has been possible due to his farsightedness.

India’s presidency of the G-20 gave the country a leading role in the world. During the Covid pandemic, India proved its humanitarian character by supplying vaccines to many smaller countries.

‘Make in India’ has made the defence sector self-reliant. Through surgical strikes, the Balakot air strike, and later Operation Sindoor, a clear message was delivered to terrorists – all symbols of India’s strength. By forging friendships with many countries, Modi Ji has strengthened India’s international relations.

Maharashtra is a confluence of industry, culture, and enterprise. Prime Minister Modi Ji has always stood with our Mahayuti government. The changing face of Mumbai – Trans-Harbour Link, Metro projects, the Bullet Train, and Atal Setu – have all been possible with his guidance and support.

Projects like the Samruddhi Mahamarg have proven to be game-changers. The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi has brought direct assistance to farmers. Through the Smart City Mission, cities like Pune, Nagpur, Thane, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have acquired a new look. The conferring of classical status to the Marathi language was also possible due to his efforts.

When I got the opportunity to attract investments for Maharashtra in Davos, I realised the immense impact of Prime Minister Modi’s name. After my mentors like Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe, if there is someone who inspires me today, it is Narendra Modi Ji’s working style. “If you work honestly for the country, people trust you” – this message of his will continue to guide my life.

Modi Ji has taken development schemes to the common man, brought transparency in governance, eliminated corruption, and transformed the nation’s image. That is why even today crores of people regard him as their leader.

On his birthday today, once again I extend my heartfelt wishes to him and pray that his leadership continues to take the country to greater heights.