MODI & HIS BOND WITH THE PEOPLE

The narrators highlight that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dedication to sports and unwavering support for athletes is truly exceptional. PM Modi’s visit to Kargil, where he uplifted the spirits of injured soldiers, raising their morale and determination, is a testament to his deep concern for the well-being of all. This commitment is evident in the efforts he takes to ensure their care and support and lots more...

Modi’s personal care and concern for everyone is unprecedented - Anita Karwal, Former IAS officer

Among his various traits, one that distinguishes Prime Minister Narendra Modi is his profound empathy and concern for everyone, reflected in the efforts he takes to ensure their well-being. Countless untold stories from those who have experienced this attest to it. Like in my case, I was only a district collector, posted in Ahmedabad. I was involved with the municipal corporation as at that time all the planning of the first BRTS in the city was afoot. At this time I was diagnosed with pancreatitis, a rare and life-threatening condition. My situation was critical, requiring over a month-long stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). After a month and half, once I returned to work, still recovering from the illness, Narendra Modi, then the state CM, came to know about my illness and condition. Hardly 10 days into my return to the office, I received an unexpected call from the CM’s office. The official on the other side informed me that a specialist doctor from Kerala, renowned for his expertise in pancreatic diseases, had come to meet the CM and he would meet me that evening as instructed by CM Modi himself. I was deeply touched and surprised by this gesture. I reached the circuit house at 5 PM as instructed and the doctor reviewed my medical reports and provided detailed advice on my further treatment and recovery. He even shared his personal phone number, encouraging me to keep in touch with him for further consultation. This doctor was highly sought after, with long waits for his appointment. Yet, there he was, attending on me, on the chief minister’s request. Later that evening, around 8 PM, once I was back home, I received another call from the CM’s office. To my surprise, this time it was the chief minister himself on the line. He asked with concern, “Anita, did you find the consultation helpful? Was the doctor good?” I was really overwhelmed. Who shows such care for a junior colleague? The level of personal attention and care from a chief minister to a district collector is unprecedented. It wasn’t just about arranging medical consultation that stood out, but also the personal follow-up by CM Modi to ensure my well-being that touched me. My experience is just one example of Narendra Modi’s care and concern for others. From his convoy clearing the way for ambulances to personally assisting persons with disabilities who come to meet him, Modi is always seen taking efforts to ensure the welfare of everyone around him, establishing him as a pillar of support for all.

PM Modi’s motivation helps us perform even better - Nikhat Zareen, Boxer

The moments spent with our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially the opportunity to take a selfie with him and present him with boxing gloves, was an extraordinary feeling that I will remember for life. We know, PM Modi’s involvement in sports and support for athletes is unparalleled. I had my first interaction with him after I won the world championship. Again, later, I met him another time after winning in the Commonwealth Games. It was at this time that we presented him with the boxing gloves which he was happy to receive. Earlier, there have been prime ministers, but they were hardly as involved and interested in sports as we found Modi ji to be. He interacts with athletes, no matter which sport discipline they are in, both before and after their tournaments and this is very motivating and a departure from the past. This can only happen when one closely follows the developments in that field. He is also well informed and it is a pleasure to talk to him and know so much from him about different aspects of the subject. This kind of motivation is important for players for their better performance and the PM’s personal touch in everything motivates us so much that it reflects in our performance.

PM Modi’s visit to Udhampur raised josh of injured jawans - Maj Gen (Retd) Vijay Joshi, Former commandant, Udhampur

During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the honor of accompanying Narendra Modi Ji during his visit to the Udhampur Command Hospital in Kashmir. His visit greatly uplifted the spirits of the injured Kargil soldiers, raising their morale and determination. On the historic occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, when the nation paid tributes to the sacrifice and valour of our soldiers, PM Narendra Modi visited Drass and paid homage at the Kargil war memorial. Way back in 1999, when the war was on, I was serving as the commandant of the Military Command Hospital in Udhampur. I recall an important visit made by Narendra Modi, then BJP National General Secretary, at the same time to meet the injured soldiers who were admitted in the hospital. This hospital, the largest in the Northern Command, was at the forefront of providing care to the sick and wounded soldiers during the Kargil war. Narendra Modi’s visit raised the ‘manobal’ or the ‘josh’ of the soldiers. Despite the gravity of the situation, Modi’s presence had a profoundly calming effect on the soldiers. He interacted with each one of them, putting them at ease and significantly raising their spirits. There were many casualties, some critically injured and others in relatively stable condition. Modi made it a point to focus on each individual. He was calm, composed, and full of energy at the same time. His ability to relate to the soldiers was remarkable. In fact I found him very focussed at his job. The injured soldiers felt relaxed as he inquired about their families, homes, and any specific needs they had. His approach included a lot of personal touch, which was highly appreciated. The soldiers’ eyes lit up with joy and hope after meeting him. What stood out was Modi ji’s unique ability to put everyone at ease during such difficult circumstances. This included not only the injured soldiers but also the hospital staff. He assured everyone of the support they needed, which went a long way in raising their morale. Modi’s presence exuded true patriotism. Everyone was happy to see him and talk to him because he was like a confident, assuring and able guardian to all, who was ready to serve and deliver. This sense of national support is crucial for maintaining their morale as they were all going through a tough, depressing phase. War takes a toll on mental health. But with Modi ji’s presence it was an assurance that the government and the people are always with them, even in the toughest times, that motivated them to give their best in the line of duty. One of the key aspects of his visit was his interest in both the specific details of the battles and the personal situations of the soldiers and their families. Despite not holding any administrative post at that time, he accompanied the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, just to have a first-hand experience and personal assessment of the ground realities and the challenges our soldiers and support staffers faced in such circumstances. His goal was to understand the operational situation as well as the conditions affecting individual soldiers. This included assessing the support system in place, such as the army hospital’s patient care. These experiences have later come in handy for Narendra Modi ji as the Prime Minister to manage things at the borders so efficiently.

COMPILED AND EDITED BY SHASHIKANT SHARMA