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COVER STORY SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 | The Indian Eye 5
munal tensions, surveys consistently ders or in cities where start-ups credit
show him as the preferred choice for Digital India for their growth, Modi is
Prime Minister by a wide margin. His often seen as the face of opportunity.
appeal cuts across urban and rural di- Critics argue that this cult of per-
vides, bolstered by schemes that touch sonality overshadows institutions and
everyday lives—whether it is free ra- reduces politics to a one-man show.
tion under PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yet, for his supporters, it is precisely
Yojana or digital transfers to farmers. this centrality that ensures stability and
At 75, Modi appears far from a leader direction. The birthday celebrations
in twilight; instead, he projects the im- became another reminder that Modi’s
age of an indispensable figure at the personal brand continues to convert
peak of his powers. into electoral strength for the BJP.
A GLOBAL CHORUS OF PRAISE RESPECT ABROAD
erhaps the most striking feature t 75, questions about succes-
of Modi’s 75th birthday was the sion naturally arise, but Modi
Pflood of international greetings. Ashows no signs of slowing down.
Rarely has an Indian leader received People offer traditional Kashmiri Kawa during a celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s His ability to engage Trump, Putin,
such attention from across competing birthday at Lal Chowk, in Srinagar on Tuesday. (ANI Photo) and von der Leyen in the same week
global blocs. US President Donald demonstrates his agility in navigating
Trump described Modi as “my friend” nary citizens. BJP cadres went door ounce of energy” to achieving a de- geopolitics. At home, he continues to
and praised his “strong leadership” in to door, distributing sweets, sharing veloped India by 2047, linking his own command the BJP with an iron grip,
navigating the Ukraine crisis. Russian pamphlets, and promoting Modi’s longevity with the nation’s long-term leaving little space for challengers.
President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed vision for Viksit Bharat 2047. Social journey. Modi’s trajectory contrasts sharp-
the enduring partnership between media campaigns trended throughout For many supporters, Modi is ly with that of past Indian leaders.
Moscow and New Delhi, while Euro- the day, with hashtags celebrating his more than a political leader; he is a Jawaharlal Nehru symbolized India’s
pean Commission President Ursula achievements dominating online dis- symbol of discipline, self-reliance, and post-independence idealism, Indira
von der Leyen sent her own message course. resilience. His carefully cultivated im- Gandhi projected raw political pow-
of congratulations, underscoring the What distinguishes Modi is his age—working long hours, maintain- er, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee brought
EU’s deepening ties with India. ability to merge personal milestones ing personal austerity, and connecting poetic moderation to the right wing.
From Israel’s Benjamin Netanya- Modi, however, combines elements
hu to Australia’s Anthony Albanese, with collective aspirations. His birth- directly with citizens through Mann of all three: the vision of Nehru, the
day was framed not as an occasion of
Ki Baat—has created a bond that ri-
from Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar private joy but as a call for renewed vals struggle to match. Whether in authority of Indira, and the oratory of
Namgyel Wangchuck to leaders in Afri- national purpose. In his message, villages where women beneficiaries Vajpayee, infused with a 21st-century
ca and the Caribbean, messages poured Modi promised to dedicate “every of Ujjwala Yojana receive LPG cylin- brand of nationalism.
in. The most spectacular tribute came His birthday reaffirmed this im-
from Dubai, where the Burj Khalifa age. Supporters portrayed him as the
lit up with Modi’s portrait, a dazzling leader who would guide India toward
display that symbolized the Prime its centenary of independence in
Minister’s popularity in the Gulf and 2047, completing the journey to Viksit
the strength of India-UAE relations. Bharat. Detractors warned against
This chorus of praise reflects the dangers of personality cults and
more than personal goodwill; it signals the shrinking space for dissent. Yet,
India’s growing leverage in a multi- both sides agreed on one point: Na-
polar world. Under Modi, India has rendra Modi is the defining figure of
positioned itself as a balancing power, contemporary India.
maintaining ties with Washington while Internationally, his leadership
deepening energy and defense cooper- has given India visibility far beyond
ation with Moscow. His active diplo- its borders. Whether it is chairing the
macy—seen in forums like the G20, G20, shaping climate negotiations, or
BRICS, and Quad—has made India a managing ties with competing powers,
sought-after partner on issues ranging Modi has ensured that India is no lon-
from supply chains to climate change. ger a peripheral player but a central
By turning Modi’s birthday into a actor in global affairs. Domestically,
moment of international recognition, his grip on politics remains so strong
global leaders also acknowledged the that elections often appear less about
inevitability of engaging with India on the BJP as an organization and more
its own terms. It is not just the leader about Modi as an individual.
who is being celebrated but the rising As India moves closer to 2047,
clout of a nation that he represents. the message from Modi’s 75th birth-
day was clear: this is not a leader in re-
POPULARITY AMONG PEOPLE treat but one still setting the agenda at
home and abroad. His towering pres-
f foreign leaders highlighted In- Sand artist Sudarshan Pattniak creates a sand sculpture with the message ‘Bharat Ki Udaan ence defines the political moment, en-
dia’s global standing, domestic Modi Ji Ke Saath’ on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday celebra- suring that for now, Narendra Modi
Icelebrations underscored Mo- tions at Puri beach, in Puri on Wednesday (@sudarsansand X/ANI Photo) remains unmatched, unchallenged,
di’s enduring connection with ordi- and unavoidable.
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