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ISBN: 978-93-5520-364-9
First impression 2022
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FOREWORD
Lata Mangeshkar
Bharat Ratna awardee
I consider myself blessed to be born in a nation that is as timeless and glorious as ours. A nation that has given so much to the world and has always worked for the larger global good. The virtues of kindness and compassion are ingrained in our people. Yes, we have faced periodic challenges, but eventually we as a people have always prevailed.
The leader of our nation at this moment in history, occupying the Prime Ministers chair, is our beloved Narendra bhai. I have known him since many years and followed with great interest the exceptional work he has done for the people of India.
On 7 October 2021, Narendra bhai completed twenty continuous years as the head of a democratically-elected government.
By temperament, Narendra bhai is not what we conventionally imagine of a politician. From my various conversations with him, I sense that his pursuits are different. He has no attachment to power.
His goal is larger; to be able to do something for the people of India. His passion lies in the fact that he wants the growth story to be meaningful for every person in our country. In Indias history, the name of Mahatma Gandhi is etched in golden letters because he turned the entire freedom struggle into a mass movement. He motivated every citizen to think that any action they do would strengthen Indias resolve for freedom. In the same spirit, Narendra bhai is turning Indias development journey into a mass movement. He is connecting every citizen of India to this goal.
We all know that before becoming Prime Minister, Narendra bhai had an impressive track record as a Chief Minister, which also enabled him to understand the nuances of governance. As Chief Minister, Narendra bhai put Gujarat on the map of development. He addressed all the development needs of the state, be it in agriculture or industry. My friends in Gujarat tell me that one of his lasting impacts has been the streamlining of the power sector. Distant tribal areas, where development had not reached for years, got the fruits of development.
In 2014, the people of India gave Narendra bhai a mandate that was unseen in decades. I vividly remember the fervour among the people to see him as their Prime Minister. No Indian will forget the emotional sight of Narendra bhai bowing to the Parliament and the Constitution of India. His first address from the ramparts of Red Fort captured the imagination of the nation when he talked about toilets and when he asked parents to question their sons instead of their daughters when it came to womens safety.
In the past seven years, he has brought in several unique initiatives aimed at removing poverty and suffering. Due to his efforts, the poor have got bank accounts, social security, homes, electricity and water. It is a testimony to his hard work that he was given yet another sweeping mandate by the people in 2019. I can say with confidence that the world is talking about his governance.
Narendra bhai stands out because people trust him. People know that, however hard the challenge is, he will work with the best intent and resolve it. Such trust, in intent and action, differentiates a leader from the rest. I have no hesitation in saying that in every part of the country, people think of him as a family member who talks about issues that are relatable.
I am delighted to see a book being penned on Narendra Modi ji, celebrating his twenty years in the political arena.
I am sure this book will be engraved as an inspiring and remarkable narrative for all of us.
I would like to mention a very special moment that culminated in my association with Narendra bhai. In 2013, when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra bhai, on our invitation, very graciously took time out of his busy schedule and inaugurated our Deenanath Mangeshkar Super Speciality hospital in Pune.
Very spontaneously, a genuine brother-sister bond evolved, and it reflects in every moment of our relationship.
I cherish our bond and will continue to do so.
As a proud Indian, I always wish to see my country remain an inspiring and evolving embodiment of our rich heritage and reach the heights for which our freedom fighters fought.
My heartiest wishes to our Prime Minister Narendra bhai, and I hope and pray he continues to lead our nation on a path of glory with his dynamism, passion and courage.
