"Public service biggest test of good governance," says PM Modi as he completes 12 years in office
New Delhi, June 10
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi became India's longest continuously serving PM on Wednesday, he termed public service as the biggest test of good governance.
Sharing a Sanskrit shloka on X, PM Modi said defined humility, dedication and dutifulness as virtues to earn public trust.
He posted, "Public service is the biggest test of good governance. Only a person who works continuously with humility, dedication and dutifulness earns public trust."
"Sadanuraktprakritih prajapalantatparh. Vineetatma hi Nripatirbhuyasi Shriyamashnute (Who is always devoted to the care of the people. A king who is humble attains greater prosperity)," the post read.
PM Modi has officially become India's longest continuously serving Prime Minister, crossing the 4,399-day milestone in office. He has surpassed former PM Jawaharlal Nehru's record of 4,398 consecutive days served after the first general election.
NDA leaders, global dignitaries and prominent personalities from various fields have poured in congratulatory messages for the Prime Minister.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind hailed PM Narendra Modi's 12-year tenure as the "watershed period for India since Independence," lauding the current government for countering the "inferiority" instilled by the colonial rule.
Kovind praised PM Modi for representing India as the "mother of democracy" at the global stage, while criticising the Nehruvian period for allegedly perpetuating the ideas of Thomas Macaulay.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asserted that his achievement in becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister is the result of the love, trust, and immense public support of crores of Indians. He said that PM Modi's journey of 4,399 days represents a "golden chapter" in the construction of an empowered, prosperous, developed, and self-reliant India.
Congratulatory remarks have come in from across the globe. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim led the international accolades, praising the Indian leader's immense contribution to the nation's global ascent.
United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also lauded the Prime Minister's enduring political journey. Ambassador Gor posted, "Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister. This achievement is a powerful testament to his decades of dedicated public service and leadership! Wishing him all the best!"
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who follows Indian politics from abroad, PM Modi's longevity is remarkable. The Sanskrit shloka shows how he connects ancient wisdom with modern governance. But I wonder how much of this is image-building vs real substance.
"Public service is the biggest test of good governance" - absolutely right! Look at the infrastructure boom, digital India, and global recognition we've gotten. But we need to ensure benefits reach the last person. Jaise kehte hain, "sabka saath, sabka vikas" ❤️
Credit where it's due - maintaining power for 12 years is no small feat in a democracy. But comparing to Nehru's era feels like cherry-picking. Let's see if the focus on governance continues or if it's just more rhetoric. The true test will be in people's lives.
Reciting a shloka and talking about humility is nice, but governance is about results. Under this PM, we've seen growth, yes, but also rising inequality. Real public service would mean better healthcare and education for all, not just grand projects. 🤔
The global congratulations are telling - India's standing has definitely improved. But being longest-serving doesn't automatically mean best-serving. Let's see if this translates into lasting change or if it's just a milestone in a long career. Still, impressive!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.