Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, saying, "We will do it," as he reflected on completing 25 years as the head of a government.
Addressing the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sabha at Delhi's Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Modi expressed gratitude to the people and recalled the experiences and challenges that shaped his journey in public service.
Modi said the milestone was not about personal achievement or glorification. He credited the trust of the people and the contribution of countless workers for his 25-year journey, which began when he became Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001.
"Today, when I look back, only a feeling of gratitude emerges," Modi said, adding that every person and experience had taught him something.
The Prime Minister also reflected on the lessons he had learned from both supporters and critics. He said those who supported him showed him the power of trust, while those who opposed him taught him about the power of democracy.
Modi recalled several major events during his public life, including the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, the Chandrayaan mission and the COVID-19 pandemic, saying each experience had taught him important lessons.
PM Modi recalls Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor
During his address, Modi also recalled India's response to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed.
Referring to India's subsequent military action, Modi said the country had demonstrated its resolve by striking terrorists in their own territory.
"Ghar mein ghuskar maara," Modi said while recalling India's response to the terror attack.
The remarks came in the context of Operation Sindoor, launched by India in May 2025 following the Pahalgam attack. Indian forces carried out strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Modi said the response demonstrated that India would not remain silent when faced with attacks and would give a befitting reply to those who threaten the country.
'We will do it': PM Modi reiterates Viksit Bharat vision
Looking ahead, Modi reiterated his vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, along with an Atmanirbhar Bharat. He said India should emerge as a global manufacturing hub, host the Olympics and make further progress in human spaceflight.
He also spoke about India's ambition to become one of the world's top economies and stressed the importance of self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing.
Calling for renewed determination, Modi repeatedly said, "We will do it," while stressing the importance of collective effort, visionary policies and sustained hard work to achieve India's development goals.
Modi also described himself as a lifelong student and said he continues to learn from people and experiences.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited the Shri Vinayaka Temple and prayed for the strength and ability to serve the country with greater energy.
Modi has now completed 25 continuous years as head of government, beginning with his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001 and continuing with his service as Prime Minister of India.
