On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) hailed his life and leadership as a defining chapter in India’s transformation from a nation plagued by corruption and indecision to a confident Vishwaguru rooted in its ancient civilisation.
In an editorial in its mouthpiece Organiser, the RSS described Modi’s “diamond jubilee journey” as more than a personal milestone, calling it a “reflection of Bharat’s transformation” and a redefinition of India’s global stature.
The article highlighted Modi’s humble beginnings in Vadnagar, his early influences from Swami Vivekananda, and his two-year spiritual journey to the Himalayas and Buddhist centres at the age of 17. It recalled his entry into the RSS in 1971, where he was mentored by leaders like Balasaheb Deoras and K.K. Shastri, who shaped his ideals of crisis management, selfless service, and integral humanism.
Detailing his disciplined lifestyle as an RSS pracharak—marked by early mornings, minimal possessions, and relentless travel—the Sangh noted how these habits continue to define the Prime Minister, who is known for long working hours and tireless international engagements.
The article also traced his political journey, recalling the decisive turn in 2001 when Modi coordinated earthquake relief in Gujarat and soon became the state’s Chief Minister. His tenure was credited with transforming Gujarat into a model of governance and development, attracting global investments through Vibrant Gujarat summits.
By 2014, when he assumed office as Prime Minister, Modi had captured the national imagination with the promise of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.” The Sangh emphasised that under his leadership, governance became a 24×7 responsibility, reshaping bureaucratic culture and prioritising service to people over privileges.
The RSS also underscored key milestones of his tenure, including the construction of the Ram Mandir, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakaal Lok, and the restoration of 642 stolen artefacts. It described these initiatives as symbols of “civilisational reawakening” that blend spiritual sanctity with modern infrastructure.
On foreign policy, the Sangh credited Modi with positioning India as a fearless global power through platforms like G20, BRICS, SCO, and QUAD. His “hug diplomacy” and engagement with the Indian diaspora were described as reflections of India’s renewed global confidence.
The editorial noted that Modi views birthdays as occasions for service rather than celebration. Since the passing of his mother Heeraben in 2022, however, his birthdays have carried an emotional void.
Born on September 17, 1950, Modi formally joined the RSS in 1971, entered the BJP in 1985, became the party’s General Secretary in 1998, and the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001. In 2014, he took oath as India’s Prime Minister for the first time and has since remained at the helm of Indian politics.
