Narendra Modi: India's Journey of Leadership, Reform and Reformation

Introduction:

Modi, the 14th Prime Minister of India, has been the most successful and controversial leader of Indian politics since he took office in 2014. His leadership, economic management, and vision of a "New India" cause controversy and international debate. This blog aims to provide a broad overview of Modi's political career, his impact on India, and the major changes initiated during his tenure.

1. His youth and politics:

Modi's political career began at a young age by working with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His rise through the ranks eventually made him the Chief Minister of Gujarat. This chapter describes his early life, the formative years of his political career, and the experiences that shaped his leadership.

2. Prime Minister and Vision of India

Modi was sworn in as Prime Minister of India on May 30, 2019, marking the beginning of his second term. After assuming office as Prime Minister in 2014, Narendra Modi laid out a grand vision for India's development with the slogan "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Collective Effort, Inclusive growth). This chapter discusses key elements of his vision, including economic reforms, infrastructure development, and social initiatives aimed at fighting poverty and inequality.

3. Economic Reforms and Policy Development:

Modi's tenure witnessed major economic reforms such as Goods and Services Tax (GST), demonetization and push for digital marketing. In this chapter, the impact of these policies on India's economic landscape will be analyzed by examining both their positive and negative aspects. The government's efforts to encourage foreign investment and support the 'Make in India' initiative will also be explored.

4. Controversy and Criticism:

No politician is without controversy and Modi is no exception. This episode discusses some of the criticisms and controversies surrounding his leadership, including his handling of social tensions, free speech issues, and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

5. Foreign policy and international influence:

Modi's foreign policy aims to strengthen India's position on the international stage. This chapter explores his diplomatic career, international involvement, and the impact of his leadership on India's relations with other countries.

6. Modi's Major Initiatives

Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of India. Please note that there may be additional developments or new initiatives at this time. Here are some of the important initiatives taken by Narendra Modi as per my last update:

Goods and Services Tax (GST): Goods and Services Tax (GST) is one of the most important fiscal reforms, it was completed in July 2017, and its complex system with many aspects is changing. Indirect taxes. The aim is to create a unified tax structure, streamline the business process, and promote ease of doing business.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): This financial system was launched in 2014 with the aim of providing banking services such as bank accounts, insurance, and debit cards to every family in India. It focuses on integrating the unbanked into the formal financial system.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission):  On 2 October 2014, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, the Prime Minister announced the 'Swachh Bharat Mission', a nationwide cleanliness and hygiene movement. The scale and impact of the movement is historic. Today, sanitation coverage has risen from 38% in 2014 to 99%. Several states and Union Territories have been declared open defecation-free (ODF). Substantive measures have been taken for a clean Ganga.

Made in India: This initiative was launched in 2014 to promote manufacturing in India and promote the country as a global manufacturing hub. It aims to attract foreign investment, improve the business environment and encourage innovation.

Digital India: Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. It focuses on expanding digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and providing essential electronic services.

Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): This is a health insurance scheme launched in 2018 to provide financial protection to over 100 million at-risk households in India. It includes medical expenses and hospital expenses.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: Launched in 2020, this program aims to make India self-reliant and entrepreneurial by focusing on the money transfer economy, infrastructure development, and promoting local manufacturing.

Agriculture Reforms: Agriculture is a sector that is very close to Shri Narendra Modi. During the interim budget of 2019, the Government announced a monetary incentive for farmers called the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. In almost three weeks, on 24th February 2019, the scheme was launched and installments have been paid regularly since then. During the first Cabinet Meeting of PM Modi’s second term, it was decided to extend the PM Kisan benefits to all farmers, removing the 5-acre limit that was present earlier. With this, the Government of India would be devoting almost Rs. 87,000 crore per year to farmer welfare. Shri Modi has also focused on path-breaking initiatives for agriculture ranging from Soil Health Cards, E-NAM for better markets, and a renewed focus on irrigation. On 30th May 2019, PM Modi fulfilled a major promise by creating a new Jal Shakti Ministry to cater to all aspects relating to water resources.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: And in 2016, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana provided free cooking gas connections to the poor. It has proven to be a game changer, providing smoke-free kitchens to over 70 million beneficiaries, mostly women.

7. Narendra Modi Stadium

Modi Stadium, formerly known as Motera Stadium, is a cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, India. With a capacity of more than 132,000 spectators, it is the largest stadium in the country and the second largest in the world.

The stadium opened in February 2020 and is the main venue for international and domestic football matches. It is the home ground of the Gujarat Cricket Association and the Gujarat Lions of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The stadium was renamed as Narendra Modi Stadium in February 2021 in honor of India's current Prime Minister Modi. The title change took place during then-US President Donald Trump's visit to China. The decision to rename the stadium was met with mixed reactions. Some praised the move, while others opposed it.

Narendra Modi Stadium has modern equipment and facilities, making it the most beautiful stadium. Its uniqueness lies in the design of the seating, which is divided into several levels to provide good viewing angles to the audience. The stadium has hosted various sporting events such as test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals.

Recently the ICC Men's World Cup final was held here.

8. Awards won by Narendra Modi: 

Prime Minister Modi was awarded many awards, including the Order of Merit, the highest civilian decoration of Saudi Arabia's King Abdul Aziz. Modi has also been honored in Russia (Order of St. Andrew I), Palestine (Greater Council of State of Palestine), Afghanistan (Amir Amanullah Khan Award), United Arab Emirates (Order of Zayed), and Maldives (Nishan Izzuddin Code). was deemed worthy of the highest honors. The Prime Minister received the prestigious Seoul Peace Prize in 2018 for his contributions to peace and development.

Narendra Modi's call to designate this day as "International Yoga Day" aroused interest in the United Nations. First, 177 countries around the world came together and adopted a resolution declaring June 21 as the "United Nations International Yoga Day".

Conclusion

As a result, Modi's leadership has made India's political system increasingly unstable. Whether his work is seen as revolutionary or controversial, there is no denying that Modi's policies and vision have shaped the country's progress. This blog is designed to provide an overview of leadership successes and challenges.