“I eat two to three kilos of abuse every day, that’s why nothing happens to me.” This signature wit, often deployed to disarm critics, is just one facet of the multifaceted leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turns 75 today.
As the Chief Minister of Gujarat and now as Prime Minister, PM Modi has risen through the ranks to the nation’s highest elected office and spent decades at the helm, redefining governance, political communication, and India’s role in the world while developing a close bond with the people he leads.
How Has Humour Defined His Leadership Style?
PM Modi has integrated humor into his leadership style, which is typically characterized by harshness.
He has established an immediate and relatable bond with his audience through poetic flourishes, witty language in Parliament, and sarcasm on the international scene. He famously mimicked Rahul Gandhi’s wink in Parliament and later compared him to a tube light that takes time to light up.
He used Bollywood nostalgia at rallies by mocking opponents with lines from Sholay: “Arre O Sambha, kitne vote laaye?'” “Congress ke neta aise vaade karte hain jaise Sholay ka Gabbar.” This ability to laugh and engage has made complex political narratives accessible to millions.
What is the Foundation of His “Technology-Driven Governance”?
Upon taking office, PM Modi launched the ambitious Digital India Mission, envisioning a nation digitally empowered. With India becoming as a global leader in digital public infrastructure, this goal became a reality. Initiatives like PM Jan Dhan Yojana brought the unbanked into the formal financial system, while Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) eliminated middlemen, ensuring welfare funds reached citizens directly and transparently. Under his leadership, India advanced significantly in the telecom sector, deploying 5G and getting ready for 6G, and creating a digital network that reaches even the most isolated areas.
What Structural Reforms Has His Government Pioneered?
The Modi government has undertaken the most sweeping overhaul of the Indian legal and bureaucratic system in decades.
The IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act—criminal codes from the colonial era—were replaced with new legislation that prioritized quicker, victim-centered justice, marking a significant turning point. In parallel, more than 1,200 outdated laws were repealed within three years, surpassing six decades of effort, and over 40,000 compliances were streamlined to build a business-friendly ecosystem. The persistent push for “One Nation, One Election” exemplifies his focus on efficiency and streamlined governance.
How Has He Redefined India’s Foreign Policy?
PM Modi reshaped India’s diplomacy by leading the UN resolution that made June 21 International Yoga Day, turning an age-old practice into a modern instrument of global soft power. He marked the beginning of a new era of regional engagement by becoming the first to invite the leaders of every SAARC countries to his swearing-in.
From his trademark hugs to popularizing the “Namaste,” and through personal touches like spinning the charkha at Sabarmati Ashram or performing the Ganga Aarti with world leaders, his diplomacy carries a human warmth that builds camaraderie and cultural pride.
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What is the Secret Behind His Mass Mobilisation?
PM Modi’s slogans have become instruments of national mobilisation. He transformed cleanliness from a government policy into a personal pledge for every citizen with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. PM Modi’s role in championing the UN resolution for International Yoga Day not only refreshed India’s diplomacy but also transformed yoga into a contemporary force of cultural influence worldwide.
Beyond the politician lies a leader deeply in touch with his humanity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s journey to 75 is a testament to a leadership style that is both transformative and deeply human. He stands as a person who has not only led India but also transformed it, fusing its history with its future as he commemorates this milestone.
