India is currently in the midst of a heated general election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an unprecedented third term. A win would place him alongside Jawaharlal Nehru, the only Prime Minister to have been re-elected twice in a row. However, the India of 2024 is a stark contrast to the India of 1947, and Modiji’s journey is emblematic of this transformation.
PM said that work on the ambitious 2047 Viksit Bharat project has been ongoing
PM Modi’s Overwhelming Journey
Born to an OBC (Other Backward Class) family in Gujarat, Modiji has ascended to the highest elected office, emerging as the most dominant political figure since Indira Gandhi. His appeal lies in his unabashed sense of ‘Hindu pride,’ which resonates with the Hindu majority, constituting 79.8% of India’s population as of 2022. Modiji has highlighted the underlying resentment among Hindus, emphasizing that numerical superiority does not automatically confer power.
This sentiment echoes the experience of most colonial “subjects” in Africa and Asia, like Hindus in pre-Independence India and ‘coloureds’ in Apartheid-era South Africa, who were oppressed despite being in the majority. For India, nearly 500 years of foreign rule conditioned Hindus to accept subjugation as a path to peace. The rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and PM Modiji, its current leader, represents a rebellion against this conditioning.
Since his days as chief minister of Gujarat in the early 2000s, Modiji has made it clear that he sees himself as a vehicle for the aspirations of the subdued majority. He aims to re-awaken ‘Hindu pride’ by bringing cultural values and religious sensibilities to the forefront, which had long been suppressed. His participation in significant religious events, such as the consecration of an idol of Ram at the Ayodhya temple, sends a clear message about his commitment to his beliefs and the empowerment of the Hindu majority.
PM Modi’s appeal is also rooted in a deeper struggle against the powerful, rent-seeking nation-state left by colonial rulers. These states continue to control their subjects through an overwhelming bureaucracy. Modiji represents the fight between the governed and the nature of governance in India, a battle that is far from over. Since taking office in 2014, Modiji has emphasized the need to eradicate the colonial mindset that has persisted through the ‘licence raj’ decades marked by slow growth.
As Modiji himself put it in his Independence Day speech in 2018,
“We don’t want the path of confrontation. We don’t want roadblocks. We don’t want to bow our heads before anyone. The nation will never stop, never bow, never get tired. We have to scale new heights.”
These sentiments resonate deeply with his supporters and explain why India's ongoing parliamentary elections will be historically significant, regardless of the outcome.
Colonial Mindset
In his address at the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of Lachit Barphukan in 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the unity of India's diverse thoughts, beliefs, and cultures. He proudly proclaimed, "Today, India has broken the shackles of colonialism and is moving forward, celebrating our heritage and remembering our heroes with pride." PM Modi's remarks underscored a renewed sense of pride in India's rich cultural heritage, free from the lingering shadows of colonial rule. Lachit Barphukan, born on November 24, 1622, was celebrated for his military prowess, notably defeating the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat, thereby curbing Aurangzeb's ambitions.
Kartavya Path: A Symbol of India's Shift from Colonial Legacy to Empowerment
On September 8, 2022, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Kartavya Path in New Delhi, marking a significant shift from its colonial past. Previously known as Kingsway under British rule and later Rajpath, the ceremonial boulevard was renamed to emphasize public ownership and empowerment. Modiji's website described the change as transforming an "icon of power" into an "example of public ownership and empowerment." This renaming was part of Modiji's broader effort to eliminate traces of colonial mindset from India and align with his vision for a New India during the Amrit Kaal.
Independence Day Address: Modiji's 'Panch Praan' for the Future
During his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2022, from the Red Fort, PM Modi introduced the concept of 'Panch Praan' for the coming 25 years, or Amrit Kaal. He stressed the need to rid India of its colonial mindset, which had persisted even decades after Independence. Modiji highlighted various government initiatives to steer India away from its colonial legacy and firmly establish the identity of New India. These steps include renaming roads, remodeling colonial buildings, and reviving banned Indian literature to celebrate and preserve India's cultural heritage.
Renaming and Remodeling: PM Modi’s Mission to Reclaim India's Identity
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, PM Modi's administration intensified efforts to erase colonial influences. The renaming of New Delhi's Rajpath to Kartavya Path symbolized this mission. Kavita Krishnan, a Delhi-based rights activist, argued that the renaming is more than symbolic, suggesting it represents a shift in the relationship between the state and its citizens, potentially drawing parallels with authoritarian models. Additionally, the government has revived Indian literature banned during British rule, cataloging nationalistic writings for public access.
Changing Names: From Race Course Road to Lok Kalyan Marg
In 2016, Modiji's government renamed the prime minister's official residence address from 7 Race Course Road to 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. This renaming was part of a broader effort to replace colonial-era names with ones that reflect Indian values and heritage. Political analysts note that similar changes have affected India's Muslim heritage. For instance, in August 2018, Mughalsarai Junction Railway Station was renamed after Hindu ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyaya. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an ideological supporter of the BJP, has also advocated for renaming places with Muslim names such as Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Aurangabad, to Hindu monikers, reflecting a broader cultural and political shift.
Through these initiatives, Modiji’s administration aims to redefine India’s identity, emphasizing cultural pride and independence from colonial legacies.
Prime Minister Modi’s vision
Since taking office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a transformative journey to foster development and unity across India. His leadership is marked by a steadfast commitment to reducing regional disparities and promoting inclusive growth, effectively bridging the traditional divides between the North and the South. Through a series of ambitious initiatives and development projects, Modiji has revitalized long-stalled schemes, launched new infrastructure corridors, and emphasized linguistic diversity. This comprehensive approach has laid the foundation for a more cohesive and prosperous nation, enhancing both national connectivity and cultural integration.
Over the past decade, PM Modi has consistently showcased India's diversity by hosting world leaders in various parts of the country. During India's G20 presidency, foreign dignitaries traveled from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Kashmir, underscoring the nation's vast diversity. Modiji's efforts to strengthen unity through development have not only improved the physical infrastructure but also promoted cultural richness. By enhancing regional connectivity and celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity, Modiji's leadership has significantly contributed to the unity and prosperity of India.
Cultural Connect
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic outreach through initiatives like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the establishment of a Chair on Tamil Studies at Banaras Hindu University underscores his commitment to promoting India's interconnected cultural, religious, and civilizational ethos. His efforts to highlight Tamil and its classical culture extend beyond national borders. In Lambeth, London, Modiji unveiled a statue of the iconic philosopher, reformer, and poet Basavanna, reinforcing India's cultural footprint globally. His frequent references to the Tirukkural and lines from the renowned Tamil poet of the Sangam age, Kaniyan Pungundranar, at the United Nations General Assembly, further illustrate his dedication to cultural unity.
The revival of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a cultural event celebrating Tamil language and literature in the historic city of Varanasi (Kashi), stands as a testament to Modiji's vision of honoring linguistic diversity. This event not only celebrates the richness of Tamil culture but also fosters cultural exchange and understanding between the north and the south of India. The Sangamam bridges traditional divides, showcasing the shared heritage and mutual respect between different regions.
In a similar vein, the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam brings together speakers of Saurashtra and Tamil, providing a platform for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation. By reviving such cultural events, the PM Modi government is actively promoting linguistic harmony and fostering a sense of belonging among people from diverse linguistic backgrounds. These efforts are crucial in strengthening national unity and celebrating India's rich tapestry of languages and cultures.
The cultural connection was further emphasized when PM Modi installed the Sengol, a symbol of fair and equitable governance from ancient India. This act underscores the importance of India's rich cultural heritage and encourages citizens to learn about and share the various cultures still practiced today. By highlighting symbols like the Sengol, Modiji aims to remind the nation of its historical values and governance principles that have shaped its civilizational ethos.
Additionally, the government's focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for language learning ensures that all Indians have access to resources for acquiring proficiency in multiple languages. AI-driven language learning platforms enable individuals to connect with different linguistic communities, promoting inclusivity and understanding. Whether it's learning Tamil in Uttar Pradesh or Bengali in Gujarat, these platforms help break down language barriers and foster a more cohesive and culturally aware society.
Political Connect
In the lead-up to the 2024 General Elections, opposition parties have claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's influence in the southern states is diminishing, despite numerous development projects being completed with unprecedented efficiency. Contrary to these assertions, the recent 2023 Assembly elections in several southern states showcased significant gains for the BJP. In Telangana, the BJP's vote share surged from 6.98% in 2018 to 13.90% in 2023, and its representation in the assembly grew from three to eight seats. A historic moment was marked by BJP candidate Katiapally Venkata Ramana Reddy's victory over sitting Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and state Congress president Revanth Reddy in Kamareddy.
Expanding its footprint, the BJP also made notable inroads in Mizoram, winning the Saiha and Palak constituencies. These areas are known for their high literacy rates and predominantly Christian populations, highlighting the BJP's growing pan-India presence and acceptance across diverse demographic groups. Additionally, the party has solidified its role as the principal opposition in West Bengal, demonstrating its resilience and strategic persistence in traditionally challenging regions.
Prime Minister Modi's vision for "Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat" aims to foster national unity through economic development, infrastructure growth, linguistic cohesion, and cultural harmony. By reviving cultural events like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and promoting initiatives that celebrate linguistic diversity, the Modi government is working to create a sense of belonging among India's diverse population. Investments in connectivity, infrastructure, and AI-driven language learning further support the creation of a more inclusive and prosperous nation, where all citizens can contribute to and benefit from India's growth story.
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