On 10 June 2026, Bharat wrote a new chapter in its democratic history as Shriman Narendra Modi ji completed 4,399 days of continuous service as Prime Minister, becoming India’s longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister in office. This historic milestone reflects not only his unwavering commitment to nation building, but also the enduring trust and faith reposed by the people of Bharat in his visionary leadership. It is a reflection of his visionary leadership, tireless commitment to national development, and unwavering dedication to the welfare and aspirations of the people of Bharat.
Transformational Leadership: 4,399 days and counting
As the pradhan sevak of the nation, Shriman Narendra Modiji inaugurated an era of unprecedented transformation in Bharat, guided by the principles of good governance and Rashtra Pratham (nation first). Just as history reveres Abraham Lincoln for his steadfast leadership in ending the scourge of human slavery and restoring dignity to millions, future generations will remember him for lifting more than 25 crore poor people out of abject poverty. Through his vision, tireless efforts, and transformative governance, countless families have been empowered with opportunity, dignity, and hope, enabling them to embrace the promise of economic freedom and a better future. His contribution will remain engraved in the annals of history as an outstanding achievement in the service of humanity.
Moreover, his transformative initiatives have ensured dignity and social security for millions through education, housing, sanitation, healthcare and food security. Ensuring quality healthcare has been provided to over 44 crore citizens through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, one of the largest public health schemes in the world. Over 12 crore rural families have gained access to safe and reliable drinking water through the Jal Jeevan Mission, bringing dignity and improving the quality of life to countless families. Since 2020, the continued provision of free foodgrains has protected the food security of around 80 crore people, ensuring that no vulnerable citizen is left behind. Moreover, more than 4 crore families have achieved the dream of owning a safe and permanent home, enhancing their sense of security, dignity and hope for the future. Together, these initiatives represent enduring symbols of compassionate governance and unwavering commitment to the well-being of every Indian.
Prime Minister Modiji’s vision has empowered all sections of society – be it women, youth, farmers and the underprivileged. The emergence of over 3 crore Lakhpati Dedis is a strong testimony to his vision of women-led development, while initiatives under Nari Shakti have enabled women to play an increasingly important role in nation building. India’s education and healthcare landscape has expanded significantly with the establishment of new Indian Institutes of Technology, AIIMS, medical colleges and higher education institutions, creating unprecedented opportunities for the country’s youth.
Meanwhile, Bharat has witnessed a remarkable infrastructural revolution. From the rapid expansion of Vande Bharat trains, airports, highways and railway stations to transformative connectivity projects reaching the hinterlands, his leadership laid the foundations of a modern, connected and ambitious Bharat. These achievements have not only accelerated economic growth, but also enhanced the quality of life for millions of citizens across the country.
Bharat has emerged as a global leader in digital innovation, semiconductor space technology, vaccine development, and mobile device manufacturing, strengthening its global position in emerging technologies.
Vikas Bhai, Virasat Bhai: Honoring Tamil Heritage, Advancing Tamil Nadu
What makes Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modi ji truly unique among contemporary leaders is his firm belief that progress and tradition are not competing ideals but two complementary forces. Through his wise philosophy of ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’, he demonstrated that a nation could pursue rapid modernization while remaining deeply rooted in its civilizational heritage.
Under his leadership, Bharat witnessed transformative development in infrastructure, technology, industrialization and social welfare, while at the same time witnessing a renewed pride in its ancient culture, languages, spiritual traditions and historical heritage. Whether it is restoring sacred sites, reviving cultural icons, celebrating classical languages, or preserving priceless artifacts, his rule reflects a rare combination of modern aspirations and timeless values.
The approach adopted by Prime Minister Modi ji has redefined nation building by demonstrating that true development is measured not only by economic growth, but also by a nation’s ability to preserve and cherish its heritage and pass it on to future generations. His philosophy of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ became a guiding principle for a confident and rejuvenated Bharat – one that steps boldly into the future while remaining firmly anchored in its glorious past.
Among the greatest beneficiaries of this philosophy have been Tamil Nadu and the global Tamil community, whose rich linguistic, cultural and civilizational heritage has received unprecedented recognition, celebration and support under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi Ji. Tamil Nadu has benefited greatly from transformative initiatives under Prime Minister Modiji, including the expansion of the Chennai Metro, the Chennai-Bengaluru Expressway, the Tamil Nadu Defense Industrial Corridor, modernization of ports and airports, expansion of national highways, redevelopment of railway stations, and the new Pamban railway bridge. The opening of the new Pamban Railway Bridge, India’s first vertical sea bridge, is a historic achievement, enhancing connectivity to Rameswaram and symbolizing India’s engineering excellence. Tamil Nadu, which has also emerged as a leading hub for electronics, mobile phones and iPhone manufacturing due to the unwavering pursuit of the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
No previous Prime Minister has championed Tamil language, culture and heritage with the same consistency, vision and global outreach as Shriman Narendra Modi Ji, bringing renewed national and international recognition to Tamil civilisation. His ongoing celebration of Tamil antiquity and its literary richness, both in India and abroad, has resonated deeply with Tamils across the world. His invocation of the immortal words of the great Tamil sage Kanyan Pongunranar “Yathum aur, yavarum kelir” at the United Nations was a moment of immense pride for the Tamil civilization and for India. By bringing this profound message to the global stage, he demonstrated to the world the timeless human values inherent in Tamil culture and its rich civilizational heritage. Mankind realized that Tamils had stood for the noble concept of “One Humanity” centuries before Karl Marx. The ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ initiative is also rooted in this same philosophy.
Initiatives like Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam have strengthened cultural ties and highlighted the enduring civilizational ties that unite our nation. The installation of the Singol in our new Parliament building is a fitting recognition of Tamil Nadu’s contribution to India’s democratic and cultural heritage. Prime Minister Modi ji’s visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram highlights the Chola heritage and initiatives to recover priceless artefacts and relics from abroad, including modern copperplates dating back to the Anaimangalam Chola era, have received widespread appreciation. Along with his support for the preservation of temples, heritage sites, classical literature and cultural traditions, these efforts raised the global profile of Tamil civilization and reflected his enduring reverence for the Tamil language and culture.
conclusion
In every era, history witnesses the emergence of leaders whose vision and actions transcend the boundaries of their era. These individuals are remembered as ‘Yog Purush’ because they shape the destiny of the nation and inspire generations. Through his transformational leadership, commitment to national development, and tireless service to the people, he emerged as the true ‘Yog Purush’ of contemporary Bharat.
I am confident that his able leadership will guide the nation towards Vixit Bharat @ 2047.
(The author is Vice President of India.)
