Modi’s Dual Legacy: From Vanvasi Belts to Viksit Bharat

The narrators recall PM Modi’s deep connect with tribal communities from his early days of service, linking it to his later drive for Make in India, which transformed India’s industrial and economic landscape

PM Modi’s lifelong bond with India’s tribal communities - Girish Desai, RSS pracharak, Gujarat, Motilal Vasava, Former MLA, Gujarat, Mangubhai Patel, Governor, Madhya Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s engagement with India’s tribal communities began long before he entered electoral politics. As a young RSS pracharak in Gujarat, he spent weeks at a time living in tribal villages, sharing meals with local families, observing their customs, and gaining a first-hand understanding of the challenges they faced—limited access to education, difficult terrain, inadequate healthcare, and restricted economic opportunities. These early experiences shaped his conviction that tribal development must be rooted in dignity, cultural identity, and equal access to essential services. The life of Bhagwan Birsa Munda further inspired him, reinforcing his belief that traditional wisdom and modern development must advance together. As a pracharak, Modi travelled from village to village in regions like Dang and Ambaji, staying in tribal homes and learning directly from the people. He encouraged the establishment of RSS shakhas in tribal belts, urging karyakartas to approach every village with humility, participate in local customs, and build trustbased relationships. To promote a culture of social responsibility, he motivated volunteers to redirect personal celebration expenses— such as birthdays—towards supporting the education of underprivileged and tribal children. Under his guidance, a school was established in the tribal region of Ambaji, reflecting his belief that education is the foundation of empowerment. During the severe drought of the late 1980s, tribal regions were among the worst affected. Modi personally mobilised relief efforts, raised resources, and ensured that supplies reached the most remote areas. His deep study of tribal culture also became visible when he delivered a researchbacked speech on Vanvasi traditions at an event in Silvassa attended by then President Giani Zail Singh. Drawing from nearly fifty books, the speech was widely appreciated for its depth and clarity. As BJP State General Secretary, Modi worked to expand tribal representation within the party and ensured that community priorities were reflected in policy discussions. Ahead of the 1995 Gujarat elections, he helped craft the Tribal Haq Patra, a document focused on securing housing, healthcare, drinking water, and other essential needs. During the 1990 Ram Rath Yatra, he encouraged tribal communities to join the yatra in traditional attire, ensuring their visibility within a larger national movement. After becoming CM in 2001, Modi continued to prioritise tribal welfare. Following the devastating Kutch earthquake, he spent his first Diwali as CM in the tribal village of Chobari, signalling his commitment to communities living in remote areas. His focus on girls’ education strengthened through Shala Praveshotsav and Kanya Kelavani, which significantly increased female enrollment in tribal districts through sustained outreach and personal visits. In 2007, he launched the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, a mission-mode program aimed at reducing gaps between tribal and nontribal regions. It focused on livelihoods, higher education, housing, skill development, bamboo-based industries, and enhanced infrastructure. Its success not only transformed many tribal districts in Gujarat but later inspired similar initiatives at the national level. His government also launched a pioneering campaign against sickle cell anaemia in 2005–06, initially targeting four tribal districts before expanding statewide. This early effort laid the groundwork for India’s National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission launched years later. Between 2007 and 2010, several other initiatives— such as Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana, the Bhanasimal drinking water scheme, eco-tourism projects, Adarsh Nivasi Schools, and new industrial zones—further strengthened tribal welfare. Modi also worked to give national recognition to important yet overlooked chapters of tribal history. His efforts highlighted the 1913 Mangadh Massacre, led to the establishment of a memorial, and honoured Govind Guru through a university and botanical garden. The establishment of the Birsa Munda Tribal University in the Narmada region expanded higher education opportunities for tribal youth. After taking office as PM in 2014, Modi elevated tribal welfare to a national priority. Flagship initiatives such as PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, Saubhagya, PMGSY, Ayushman Bharat, and the expanded Vanbandhu program significantly improved access to housing, clean cooking fuel, electricity, healthcare, and connectivity in tribal regions. The Van Dhan Yojana enabled tribal self-help groups to add value to minor forest produce, increasing household incomes. In 2021, he declared Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, giving historical recognition to tribal heritage. He inaugurated the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Park and Freedom Fighter Museum and became the first Prime Minister to visit Ulihatu, Birsa Munda’s birthplace. His emphasis on representation culminated in the election of India’s first tribal President Droupadi Murmu. From living in tribal homes as a young pracharak to shaping national policy as Modi’s journey reflects a consistent dedication to tribal welfare. Guided by dignity, identity, and opportunity, his initiatives continue to pave the way for a stronger and more inclusive India as the nation moves toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

PM Modi’s Make in India: Rebuilding India’s industrial future - RK Mathur, Former chief election commissioner of India

PM Modi transformed Make in India from a policy slogan into a national movement that reshaped India’s economic direction. When he took office, key sectors—especially defence and heavy industry—were burdened by slow decision-making, outdated processes, and limited domestic capability. Modi broke this long-standing status quo through bold structural reforms aimed at boosting indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. Defence was placed at the centre of this transformation. Ordnance factories, which had operated with minimal innovation for decades, were corporatised to improve efficiency, accountability, and competitiveness. New structures allowed these units to adopt modern management practices, pursue technology upgrades, and compete globally. He repurposed the 22 ordinance factories into 9 Public Sector Undertakings and they are now performing exceptionally well, even listing at the stock exchange. Defence procurement policies were reoriented to prioritise India-made products, encouraging private players and start-ups to contribute to advanced systems, drones, missiles, and communication technologies. This shift laid the foundation for India’s growing defence exports and strengthened national security. To accelerate industrial growth, the government opened Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) channels, especially in defence manufacturing. From earlier 26%, FDI limit was raised to 51% and now almost 100% on case-by-case basis, to enhance indigenous production. Higher FDI limits attracted global companies to set up production units in India, bringing advanced technologies, new jobs, and international best practices. Simultaneously, the government simplified regulations, reduced compliance burdens, and promoted ease of doing business, allowing industries to expand with greater confidence. Modi’s Make in India mission extended far beyond defence. Railways underwent major modernisation, including new Vande Bharat trains, upgraded stations, indigenously manufactured locomotives, and expanded freight corridors. Industrial corridors were created to facilitate world-class manufacturing ecosystems, while special economic zones and logistics parks improved connectivity and reduced transportation costs. The government also made decisive pushes in electronics, space technology, and renewable energy. India rapidly became a hub for smartphone manufacturing, semiconductor design, and satellite technology, supported by reforms in production-linked incentives and research partnerships. Renewable energy—especially solar manufacturing—expanded dramatically, positioning India as a global leader in clean energy. Under Modi’s leadership, Make in India evolved into a broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat— a model of self-reliance powered by innovation, skilled youth, and global integration. It rekindled national pride, created employment opportunities, and encouraged young entrepreneurs to build for the world from India. From defence and railways to space and electronics, Make in India has redefined the nation’s growth story. It marks India’s transition from a consumer of global technologies to a creator, signalling the rise of a confident, capable, and self-reliant global power.

COMPILED AND EDITED BY SHASHIKANT SHARMA