Remembering the Ekta Yatra: A Message of Unity That Echoes Across India

In the 21st century, India has taken on a key role in shaping the new world order. With global politics now multipolar, no major international group feels complete without India's presence. From disaster relief to forging global policy consensus, the world turns to India.

The visionary behind India's rise as a global leader over the past decade is our esteemed Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

Whether it's mediating in the Russia-Ukraine conflict or addressing crises in the West Asia, India, under PM Modi, is central to resolving international matters.

Today, both Indians and world powers alike place their trust in the belief that "If PM Modi is at helm, anything is possible", seeing his leadership as the ‘guarantee' of solutions.

In the context of India, PM Modi is seen as a modern-day ‘Bhageerath', guiding the nation toward achieving goals, solving challenges, and fulfilling aspirations.

Whether it's a woman farmer working in a remote field, a young entrepreneur in a tech company, a soldier guarding the nation's borders, or an Indian living abroad, all share unwavering trust in the PM's policies, vision, and decisions. This trust empowers the PM to make bold and decisive moves.

A prime example is the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, once considered impossible. Initially, there was resistance, but today Article 370 and 35A are history. Modi's determination has ended the era of "two flags, two constitutions" in Kashmir.

Now, instead of unrest, we see progress — new industries are springing up, and feats of engineering like the Chenab railway bridge, taller than the Eiffel Tower, are being realized. J&K is now on the path of development, and the world is watching. The people of this new Kashmir are prepared for upcoming assembly elections, where the PM's vision of nationalism, good governance, and development is set to triumph.

The PM has ignited a cultural renaissance in India. After a 500-year wait, India's spiritual and cultural aspirations have been realized with the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla at the grand new temple in Ayodhya and the renovation of Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Since 2014, India has freed itself from the grip of political parties that thrived on casteism, corruption, and appeasement. Transparent and corruption-free execution of govt schemes has significantly improved the daily lives of common people.

Behind this transformation is a new work culture driven by the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'. At the core of this philosophy, which aims for ‘Antyodaya se Sarvodaya' (uplift of the last person leading to the uplift of all), is the priority given to the marginalised. For the first time, agriculture and farmers have become central to political discussions, with benefits from schemes like crop insurance, MSP, subsidies, and mechanized farming reaching farmers without discrimination.

The PM has inspired people to aspire for more, allowing every Indian to actively participate in the nation's development during this ‘Amrit Kaal'. The PM made two significant decisions within the first three months of his third term – extending Ayushman health coverage to all senior citizens over 70 and introducing the ‘Unified Pension Scheme' to safeguard public interests. The decisions have ushered in a new era of economic security and hope.

Over the past decade, the implementation of JAM — Jan Dhan, Aadhar, and Mobile — has eradicated systemic corruption, ensuring that the common man receives the full benefits of govt schemes. PM Modi described JAM as delivering "maximum return on every rupee spent", with focus on empowering the poor and spreading technology widely across the population.

In UP alone, over Rs 10,000 crore has been saved across just 11 departments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The use of technology has not only improved ease of living but also enabled the govt to achieve maximum results in minimal time. Platforms like UPI, DigiLocker, and DigiYatra have become integral to the lives of ordinary citizens.

Amid growing environmental challenges, the global community is increasingly recognizing that unsustainable development is not true progress and can have lasting consequences for humanity. This understanding aligns with the ancient Indian philosophy, which has always placed a high value on nature and environment. Under the PM, India has become a global advocate for environmental protection.

The PM's ‘Panchamrit' and ‘Lifestyle for Environment' (LiFE) campaigns have positioned India as a role model in fight against climate change. Over the past decade, India's installed solar energy capacity has surged by 2300%, with solar energy costs dropping by 70-80% since 2014. Through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, the nation is now benefiting from renewable energy sources, marking a significant step toward a sustainable future.

Many major nations, still recovering from events like COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war, are grappling with economic difficulties. However, thanks to the PM's diplomatic prowess and financial expertise, India has not only navigated these tough times but has emerged as the world's fifth-largest economy. The moment is fast approaching when India will rise to become the third-largest economic superpower.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognized India as the fastest-growing economy in its latest global growth projections. Today, the world views India as an attractive investment destination. UP has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of this surge in economic interest.

‘Semicon India' conference held in UP last week marked the formal launch of India's journey to becoming a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing. From the Red Fort, the PM had declared, "My dream is for every device in the world to have a chip made in India". The country is committed to establishing itself as a semiconductor powerhouse.

With the PM "silicon diplomacy", India is poised to become a global leader in semiconductor production.

It is a divine coincidence that the birth anniversary of Devshilpi Bhagwan Vishwakarma coincides with the birthday of our PM. Today, India is crafting a glorious present on the foundation of future aspirations, taking on the role of a global leader, with PM Modi as the visionary architect of this ‘Amrit Nav Nirman'. We are confident that his resolve to build a ‘developed and self-reliant new India' will be realized through people's participation.

(The writer is Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Views expressed are personal)