A Prime Minister who notices, nurtures and transforms India

The narrators recall PM Modi’s leadership as a rare blend of vision, empathy and decisive action—one that empowers women at the grassroots, values individual effort, and transforms ideas into tangible change on the ground

‘PM MODI’S VISION ROOTED IN ACTION’ - Uday Kotak, Banker

Every interaction with PM Modi has been a source of learning and quiet inspiration for me. What consistently stands out is his rare ability to balance big-picture vision with on-ground execution, and ambition with genuine humility. Over the years, I have had multiple opportunities to engage with him, and each meeting has offered deeper insight into his distinctive leadership style. One aspect that has always impressed me is his deep and unwavering commitment to Vibrant Gujarat. I have been attending the summit for many years, and on each occasion, I was fortunate to have one-onone interactions with him. Our conversations invariably revolved around development—how Gujarat could grow stronger, and how India could unlock its true potential as a dynamic and self-confident nation. These were not abstract discussions; they were grounded in practical ideas, timelines, and outcomes. I also had the opportunity to travel with him overseas during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. Those journeys revealed another defining trait of his personality: an insatiable curiosity to learn. Whenever he visited a new country, he observed everything closely—from governance models to urban planning and social infrastructure. What made this curiosity remarkable was that it was never passive. He would reflect on what he saw, ask questions, and think deeply about how those ideas could be adapted back home. One particular incident remains etched in my memory. During a meeting in Ahmedabad, he spoke to me about a visit to Japan. There, he had noticed tactile braille paths on roads leading to railway stations—designed to help visually impaired citizens walk independently and safely. He was deeply moved by the simplicity and effectiveness of the idea. Soon after returning to Gujarat, he ensured that a similar system was implemented at Kankariya in Ahmedabad, where it can still be seen today. That small but powerful example perfectly captures his leadership approach— keen observation, attention to detail, and swift execution, all guided by a commitment to inclusive development. For him, governance has always been about improving everyday lives, especially for those who are often overlooked. Every foreign visit, every interaction, and every observation became an opportunity to learn and improve. This relentless drive to absorb best practices, adapt them thoughtfully, and implement them decisively continues to shape his vision. It is this mindset—of constant learning and purposeful action—that inspires his larger dream of a developed and inclusive India.

‘PM NARENDRA MODI LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON ME’ - R Madhavan, Actor

hile preparing for my film Rocketry, I had a personal experience that left a deep and lasting impression on me—an experience that revealed Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s extraordinary attentiveness and human sensitivity. This incident took place shortly after Uri: The Surgical Strike had released and gone on to become a huge success. Modi ji was visiting Mumbai for an event, and as expected, many members of the film fraternity were present. There was an unmistakable buzz in the air. Everyone was eager to meet him, exchange a few words, and, of course, click photographs. I was there too—but not quite as myself. At that time, I was in the middle of preparing for Rocketry, in which I was portraying the legendary Indian scientist Nambi Narayanan ji. I was in full character: a big beard, altered hairstyle, and complete makeup. Honestly, I doubted whether anyone would recognize me, let alone the Prime Minister of India. With so many people to meet and greet, and with the immense responsibilities he carries on his shoulders every single day, I assumed I would simply blend into the crowd. What happened next completely stunned me. The moment Modi ji saw me, he smiled and said, “Madhavan ji, you look like Nambi Narayan. Has the shooting of the film started?” For a few seconds, I was genuinely speechless. Here was the Prime Minister—leading a nation of over a billion people, constantly engaged with global leaders and national priorities—yet he recognized me instantly. Not only that, he remembered exactly which project I was working on, despite my drastically different appearance. That moment left me in awe. It wasn’t just about recognition; it was about attention, memory, and respect for people’s work. It showed me a side of leadership that often goes unnoticed—the ability to truly see people. Leaders are often judged by their policies, speeches, and decisions, but moments like these reveal their inner nature. Modi ji’s ability to remember details, to connect personally, and to acknowledge creative effort spoke volumes. That day also became special for another reason. For the very first time, I took a selfie with him. Coincidentally, both of us were sporting similar beards at the time, which made the moment even more memorable and light-hearted. To this day, that interaction remains one of my most cherished memories. Not because it involved a photograph or public attention, but because it revealed something profound. It showed me that Modi ji is not just a leader with vision and determination, but also a deeply human individual— someone who notices, remembers, and values people in the most personal and genuine way.

Namo Drone Didi, a gamechanger for women’s empowerment - Vimla Sinver, Sirsa, Haryana

he pathbreaking Namo Drone Didi initiative took flight across India in 2023. It began as a promise from the Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to training at least 15,000 women from across the country to fly drones and get economic dividends. That promise is now becoming a nationwide movement of empowerment and opportunity. My journey began with a simple online form I submitted on the Haryana Agriculture Department portal after hearing about the drone scheme. Soon after, I received a call from the office about a free seven-day drone training programme that was to be held in Karnal. I was a bit apprehensive as travelling to the place and staying there for a week would have been an expensive proposition for a strictly middle-class family like us. But the officials assuaged my fear and told me the training was to be given free by the government. So, I eventually stepped out of my house and went to Karnal. At the training centre, I learnt to operate drones and handle field spraying. By the end of the week, I was flying a drone with ease, something I had never imagined. It felt like a new world had opened for me. A person who had not gone beyond her cows and buffaloes, was now adept at a technically challenging thing. My life changed further when Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally watched me and other women fly drones. Under the Namo Drone Didi initiative, more than a thousand women across India received drones and free training. Standing before the Prime Minister gave me a new sense of pride. I had never been honoured by any leader, and that day the Prime Minister himself appreciated our work. Today, I earn handsome amounts by using drones to spray nano urea, NPK and DAP on farmers’ fields, charging between Rs 300-500 per field. This income has made me known as a ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and the monetary boost from the scheme has helped me support the education of my two daughters. The drone has changed my family’s life. I told the PM that I had never even rode a bicycle and now I was flying drones. He was very curious and attentive to all our needs and asked about our experience and the challenges we were facing. It was an inspiration to meet him and hear him speak. We will always remain grateful to PM Modi for thinking on these lines and making us financially empowered and confident.

COMPILED AND EDITED BY SHASHIKANT SHARMA