Vadnagar (Gujarat), Sep 17 (IANS) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday drew a parallel between India’s freedom movement and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed nation, saying that just as Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel transformed the resolve into a mass movement for Independence, the Prime Minister has turned the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ into a nationwide mission.
Speaking in Vadnagar, Gujarat, PM Modi’s birthplace, Shinde launched the nationwide ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ to mark the Prime Minister’s 76th birthday and 25 years in public service.
"The spark ignited in Vadnagar has today become a revolution for India, and it will serve as the voice of a Viksit Bharat by 2047," DCM Shinde remarked, delivering birthday greetings on behalf of Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra government.
Highlighting the symbolism of the Prime Minister's journey from Vadnagar to Varanasi, Shinde noted it reflects a trajectory "from service to dedication, resolve to transformation, and transformation to a Viksit Bharat."
Paying tribute to PM Modi's enduring legacy, Shinde stated: "We must measure his stature not by his age, but by his achievements—a height as tall as the Himalayas and a depth of service as deep as the Arabian Sea."
The Deputy Chief Minister emphasised that key welfare initiatives -- such as LPG gas connections, permanent housing, bank accounts, and tap water -- have directly linked national development to the everyday lives of common citizens, noting that a policy achieves true success only when it moves off paper into reality.
"During the PM Modi-led government, India rose from the 10th to the 4th largest global economy, setting its sights on becoming the third largest. Rapid progress was made through flagship drives like Make in India, Startup India, Standup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The repeal of Article 370 and enhanced capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces have laid the groundwork for a secure, resilient India. India’s growing leadership in BRICS, the Global South, digital technology, Yoga, and international cooperation was recognised by the highest civilian honors conferred on PM Modi by multiple nations," said DCM Shinde.
He further stated that the heritage restoration -- including the Ram Temple and Kashi Vishwanath Dham -- was complemented by modern technology like AI while preserving core values and human sentiments.
Reflecting on the campaign’s origins, DCM Shinde highlighted Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s call during the NDA meeting to celebrate the Prime Minister's birthday by ensuring welfare benefits reach every poor citizen.
Describing PM Modi as the embodiment of India's progress, welfare for the poor, youth aspirations, and courage during crisis, he concluded with prayers for his long life, good health, and continued strength in guiding the nation toward 2047.
--IANS
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