My deepest gratitude for your support and generous wishes

Published By : Admin | September 17, 2012 | 11:45 IST

 

Dear Friends,

Today, 17th September is my birth anniversary. Very often I am asked this question- “Modi ji how do you celebrate your birthday? What do you do on this special day?” etc. The fact is that throughout my life journey this day has been no different from any other day and has been as special to me as everyday day of my life.

Out of affection, many young friends and well-wishers have used this day to do some very touching acts of service as well as other forms of social work. I am thankful to them from the bottom of my heart for these wonderful acts of service held on this day.

17th September this year will be different in the way that on the very next day on 18th September, I will be completing a journey of 4000 days in service of the people of Gujarat as the Chief Minister. Never since the inception of Gujarat, has the state seen political stability for such a long span of time. If one desires to see how a progressive government with political stability and an atmosphere of vibrancy can deliver some fantastic results in the span of a decade, you can take Gujarat as a living example.

The success of Gujarat’s development journey is not the handiwork of one person, family or a select few. It is the feeling of ‘Mai Nahi Hum’ (Not ‘I’ but ‘we’) and a solid team spirit that has been the force behind Gujarat’s success in the last 4000 days. 

‘Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas’ (All together, growth for all)- this Mantra of Gujarat has emerged as the life force of a new political culture.

In the solid determination to steer Gujarat to new heights, the support and contribution of my 6 crore Gujaratis has been foundational and extremely important. On this day, I humbly bow to this spirit of the people.

At the same time, I salute the spirit of service and dedication of the more than 6 lakh Karma Yogis of Gujarat Government whose tireless efforts have ensured that our state scaled new heights of progress and infused immense pride in our hearts and optimism in our minds while marking its place on the map of the world.

During this journey of 4000 days, I have also been the target of several lies, exaggerations and half-truths from some sections with vested interests. It further ruffles their feathers when these very elements fail to secure any response from me. As I have always believed- more the stones that are hurled at me, the longer the flight of stairs I plan to build towards the progress of Gujarat and its people.

Yet, in contrast to these canards spread by those with a destructive mindset, I have also received several very touching pearls of wisdom, appreciation and ideas that have enriched me immensely. Today, I am sharing some self-explanatory letters in front of you. In the midst of these mistruths, it will be very easy to figure out what the truth is.

Two of the letters are penned by the noted former judge of the Honorable Supreme Court and a stalwart in public life- Justice VR Krishna Iyer, who is 98 years old. The letters have been written with great warmth and affection and they remain one of those treasures that I will cherish for life.

Justice Iyer wrote:


Dear Narendra Modi,


I have received your letter. I hold you as a great man, a creative administrator and a humanist wonder. I am a small man have no power, 98 years old and on my way to quit. I am immensely happy with your letter and the great energy radicalism you have achieved. How I wish Indian political leadership had the same inventive or at least innovative march with one vision: to wipe every tear from every eye. Our poverty in the field of energy is a thing of the past provided solar power and wind power are utilized. I pray for your leadership of Indian welfare. May that day dawn and Gandhiji’s stand fulfilled in his vision.


Dear Modi, politics apart I will be with you for the happiness of the little Indian.


 


With regards,


Yours sincerely,



V.R. KRISHNA IYER

 

He also wrote,

 


Dear Narendra Modi,
 


            After glancing through the material you had sent through courier I hold you as a part of the Indian history in its modern development odyssey. You are a super patriot and your stature is beyond any particular party. Do continue the national mission you have undertaken. Indian history of the 20th century will not be complete without an excellent reference to the majestic contribution you have made in the field of Indian Energy Unlimited.
 


With regards,
                                   


Yours sincerely,
                                                                                                                     


V.R. KRISHNA IYER

 

[ YOU CAN READ THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE LETTERS HERE ]

 

 

The second letter has been written to me by Shri N Vittal, who has left a distinguished mark of years of service including as the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) of India.

 

Shri Vittal wrote,


Respected and Dear Chief Minister Hon. Shri Narendra Modi,


I enclose herewith my latest book “Ending Corruption? How to clean up India” published by Penguin Books India, this month.


You have set before our nation an excellent example of what can be achieved if absolute political integrity and commitment to good governance are combined in a leader. You have also shown how
openness
to new ideas and political courage to take even unpopular but sound decisions in the interest of development and good governance can work wonders.


Based on my 42 years in government I have attempted to present a new perspective and solution to the number one problem before the nation - Corruption in public life.


I shall be very grateful if in your busy schedule, you could kindly find some time to glance through my book.


Warm Regards, 


Yours Sincerely


N Vittal

 

[ YOU CAN READ THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE LETTER HERE ]

 

Both these individuals are known for their integrity and values. For the kind words they have written, I profusely thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Once again, my sincere thanks to all of you for your continuous support and generous wishes on my birthday. 

Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat!

 

Yours,

Narendra Modi

 

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Tribute to Shri Ratan Tata
November 09, 2024

It has been a month since Shri Ratan Tata Ji left us. From bustling cities and towns to villages, his absence is deeply felt across every segment of society. Seasoned industrialists, budding entrepreneurs and hardworking professionals mourn his loss. Those passionate about the environment and devoted to philanthropy are equally saddened. His absence has been deeply felt not only across the nation but also around the world.

For the youth, Shri Ratan Tata was an inspiration, a reminder that dreams are worth pursuing and that success can coexist with compassion as well as humility. For others, he represented the finest traditions of Indian enterprise and a steadfast commitment to the values of integrity, excellence and service. Under his leadership, the Tata Group ascended to new heights, embodying respect, honesty and credibility worldwide. Despite this, he wore his achievements lightly, with humility and kindness.

Shri Ratan Tata’s unwavering support for the dreams of others was one of his most defining qualities. In recent years, he became known for mentoring India’s StartUp ecosystem, investing in many promising ventures. He understood the hopes and aspirations of young entrepreneurs and recognised the potential they had to shape India’s future. By backing their efforts, he empowered a generation of dreamers to take bold risks and push boundaries. This has gone a long way in creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, which I am confident will continue to positively impact India for decades to come.

He constantly championed excellence, urging Indian enterprises to set global benchmarks. This vision, I hope, will inspire our future leaders to make India synonymous with world-class quality.

His greatness was not restricted to the boardroom or helping fellow humans. His compassion extended to all living beings. His deep love for animals was well-known and he supported every possible effort focused on animal welfare. He often shared photos of his dogs, who were as much a part of his life as any business venture. His life was a reminder to us all that true leadership is measured not just by one’s achievements, but by one’s ability to care for the most vulnerable.

For crores of Indians, Shri Ratan Tata’s patriotism shone brightest in times of crisis. His swift reopening of the iconic Taj Hotel in Mumbai after the 26/11 terror attacks was a rallying call to the nation—India stands united, refusing to yield to terrorism.

On a personal note, I had the privilege of knowing him very closely over the years. We worked closely in Gujarat, where he invested extensively, including in many of the projects he was very passionate about. Just a few weeks ago, I was in Vadodara with the President of the Government of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sánchez and we jointly inaugurated an aircraft complex where C-295 aircrafts would be made in India. It was Shri Ratan Tata who started working on this. Needless to say, Shri Ratan Tata’s presence was greatly missed.

I remember Shri Ratan Tata Ji as a man of letters—he would frequently write to me on various issues, be it matters of governance, expressing appreciation for government support, or sending congratulatory wishes after electoral victories.

Our close interactions continued when I moved to the Centre and he remained a committed partner in our nation-building efforts. Shri Ratan Tata’s support for the Swachh Bharat Mission was particularly close to my heart. He was a vocal advocate of this mass movement, understanding that cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation are vital for India’s progress. I still remember his heartfelt video message for the Swachh Bharat Mission’s tenth anniversary at the start of October. It was among his final public appearances.

Another cause close to his heart was healthcare and especially the fight against cancer. I recall the programme in Assam two years ago, where we had jointly inaugurated various cancer hospitals in the state. In his remarks that time, he had categorically stated that he wishes to dedicate his final years to healthcare. His efforts to make health and cancer care accessible and affordable were rooted in a profound empathy for those battling diseases, believing that a just society was one that stood by its most vulnerable.

As we remember him today, we are reminded of the society he envisioned—where business can serve as a force for good, where every individual’s potential is valued and where progress is measured in the well-being and happiness of all. He remains alive in the lives he touched and the dreams he nurtured. Generations will be grateful to him for making India a better, kinder and more hopeful place.