By Manisha Sahu, America News World
September 17, 2025
On September 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 75, marking not just a personal milestone but also more than a decade of transformative leadership that has reshaped India’s politics, governance, economy, and global standing. From being an “outsider in Delhi” in 2014 to becoming one of the most influential leaders in modern India, Modi’s journey underscores his unique ability to blend grassroots politics with ambitious national and international goals.
A Different Kind of Beginning
When Modi delivered his first Independence Day speech from the Red Fort in 2014, clad in a white kurta and a striking orange-green Rajasthani turban, he openly described himself as an outsider. He confessed to having little familiarity with Delhi’s corridors of power, but emphasized that he had a “ringside view” of the disunity and inefficiency that plagued governance. That speech set the stage for a leadership style centered on breaking silos, streamlining government, and communicating directly with citizens—without intermediaries.
“Modi changed the way a Prime Minister speaks to the people. He bypassed the elite gatekeepers and spoke directly to citizens, from the poorest farmer to the urban youth,” said a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader.
Recasting Indian Politics
Within months of taking office, Modi set about reorganizing not only governance but also his own party machinery. Workers were directed to throw their weight behind flagship programs such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Jan Dhan financial inclusion drive, and later the Ujjwala Yojana for clean cooking fuel. The result: a deeper penetration of the BJP into regions where it once had no presence.
Today, BJP President J.P. Nadda proudly calls it the “world’s largest political party,” with 140 million members, governments in 13 states, and a strong presence in 20 states through the NDA coalition. Even when allies such as the Shiv Sena, AIADMK, or Janata Dal (United) walked away, Modi’s personal credibility helped regroup the NDA, keeping the coalition resilient.
Crucially, he fulfilled long-pending ideological promises—from overseeing the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. His ability to blend ideological pursuits with welfare policies has helped him maintain broad public appeal.
Social Engineering and Elections
Modi redefined the BJP’s electoral template by framing his own version of “four castes”: the poor, the youth, women, and farmers. Welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat (health insurance), PM Awas Yojana (housing), and digital payment infrastructure created millions of beneficiaries—referred to by party leaders as labharthis.
This social engineering enabled the BJP to expand into new territories such as Assam and forge alliances in places like Jammu & Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh. His frequent visits to the Northeast signaled a seriousness that previous governments often lacked, leading to significant political gains for the party in the region.
Economic Transformation
Under Modi’s stewardship, India has transitioned from being part of the so-called “fragile five” economies to the world’s fourth-largest, and on track to overtake Japan to become the third. Major reforms include the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), a boost to infrastructure, the rise of India’s startup ecosystem with over 100 unicorns, and an explosion in digital payments—222 billion transactions recorded in 2024–25 alone.
“His mantra has been simple—draft policy by imagining yourself as the poorest person in the room,” said Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, describing Modi’s people-first approach.
A Distinct Foreign Policy
Foreign policy under Modi has carried a clear ideological stamp, guided by the principle of “nation first.” From his first major diplomatic gesture of inviting South Asian leaders to his swearing-in, to his tough stance that any terror attack on Indian soil would be treated as an act of war, Modi has redefined India’s global posture.
Whether through humanitarian programs like “Vaccine Maitri” during the COVID-19 pandemic or rapid-response operations in war zones such as Yemen, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and most recently Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Modi has projected India as both compassionate and uncompromising.
Grand diaspora events abroad—unlike anything seen before—have also enhanced his global image. As political scientist Rakesh Sinha put it, “Modi is the first leader from the developing world to carve a decisive, legitimate place in global politics.”
Welfare and Defence Priorities
At home, Modi’s welfare vision is rooted in his personal experiences. Having seen his own mother struggle in the kitchen, he prioritized clean fuel for poor households through Ujjwala. His government has built over 91 lakh houses, distributed millions of free gas cylinders, and opened over half a billion bank accounts.
In defence, he raised foreign direct investment limits, pushed for indigenous manufacturing under “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” inducted Rafale fighter jets, and commissioned India’s first home-built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. His decision to celebrate Diwali with soldiers in Siachen in 2014 established a new tradition of solidarity with the armed forces. More recently, he spearheaded Operation Sindoor against terror bases in Pakistan, reinforcing his image as a decisive leader.
A Personal Philosophy
Despite wielding immense political power, Modi often recalls his humble beginnings and non-dynastic rise. “I am prepared to pay a heavy personal price, but India’s farmers, fishermen, and cattle-rearers will not be abandoned,” he declared recently while defending India’s farm policies against global trade pressures.
At 75, Modi’s tenure stands as a case study in how an “outsider” can redefine the system from within. He has recast India’s domestic politics, accelerated its economic rise, and secured its place on the world stage—all while cultivating an image of a leader directly connected to ordinary citizens.
Whether one admires or critiques him, there is no denying that Narendra Modi has changed the idea of India—perhaps permanently.
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