PM Modi shared his vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 while reflecting on his long public service journey. The yatra, which started on September 17, will conclude with events in Varanasi and Vadnagar. Modi said, “For me, the people are God,” as he marked 25 years in government leadership.
“May God give me the strength to work for my country with even greater energy and serve my fellow citizens day and night. Whatever I am today, wherever I am, and whatever responsibility I hold, it is because of the people. For me, the people are God.”
Modi also said the country had given him a great deal and, consequently, he believed he had an even greater responsibility towards it.
“The country has given me so much, and therefore, my responsibility towards the nation is also the greatest. I sincerely believe that the citizens of the country have the greatest right over me.”
“I was always among the students who reached the class first. That eagerness to learn became a part of my life. Even today, I consider myself a student… The more I learn, the greater my ability will be to do something for the country.”
He said criticism had also played a role in shaping his approach, helping him reflect on himself.
The yatra, which began on September 17, has covered different parts of the country and will conclude with thousands of Seva Yatris, BJYM workers and young citizens at the two historic centres closely associated with Modi's life and spiritual journey.
In Varanasi, the Seva Yatris will conclude their journey with Jalabhishek at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, seeking the blessings of Baba Vishwanath. The closing ceremony is expected to draw a large gathering of youngsters and Seva Yatris.
BJP president Nitin Nabin, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJYM president Hemang Joshi are scheduled to address the gathering and speak about the significance of seva in public life and Modi's political journey.
In Vadnagar, the yatra will conclude at the historic Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, a place of deep personal significance to Modi.
Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP's all-cells coordinator VD Sharma will join the Seva Yatris at the Vadnagar programme.
Modi is also scheduled to address BJP cadre as part of the events marking his 25 years as the head of a government. He first became Gujarat chief minister in October 2001 and has since served as prime minister since May 2014.