Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India would achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, declaring, “Viksit Bharat by 2047, we will do it,” as he reflected on 25 years in public service. Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha, Modi recalled the experiences and challenges that shaped his approach to public life and said criticism from his opponents had helped him understand the strength of democracy. Programmes marking his 25 years in public service were held in Vadnagar and Varanasi.

Modi said those who opposed him had also contributed to his learning over the years. “Those who opposed me taught me the power of democracy,” he said, adding that his critics taught him to look within himself. He also recalled several major events that he said had influenced his thinking, including the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, which he said taught him to remain steadfast during reconstruction, and the Chandrayaan mission, which he cited as a lesson in recovering from failure.

The Prime Minister also referred to the Covid-19 pandemic as an important experience, saying it made him realise the importance of the country’s collective consciousness. He acknowledged the media for inspiring him to continue moving forward through what he described as bitter-sweet experiences. While reflecting on the challenges India had faced, Modi linked those lessons to his broader vision for the country and expressed confidence about its ability to achieve ambitious national goals.

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Modi said the country’s development journey would require confidence and sustained effort, listing several major objectives he believed India could accomplish. “Viksit Bharat by 2047, we will do it; hosting the Olympics, we will do it; setting foot in space, we will do it,” he said. The remarks presented the vision of a developed India as part of a wider set of national ambitions, including greater global sporting and space achievements.

Reflecting on his relationship with citizens, Modi said his public responsibilities came from the trust placed in him by the people. “Whatever I am today, wherever I am, and whatever responsibility I hold, it is because of the people. For me, the people are God,” he said. He added that the country had given him a great deal and therefore believed his responsibility towards the nation was equally significant, saying citizens had the greatest right over him.

Modi also described himself as a continuing learner, recalling how he used to be among the first students to reach his classroom because of his eagerness to learn. He said that approach remained part of his life even after 25 years in public service. “Even today, I consider myself a student,” he said, linking continued learning with his ability to contribute to the country. His remarks came as a yatra marking his public-service journey, which began on September 17, continued across different parts of the country.

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