On October 7, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will celebrate 23 years of leadership, first as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and subsequently as India’s Prime Minister. Since taking office on October 7, 2001, he has prioritized initiatives aimed at promoting citizen engagement in national programs, fostering a sense of collective responsibility, and encouraging ownership among citizens. His administration’s emphasis on grassroots participation has led to extensive projects in diverse sectors, including water conservation, sanitation, and sports.
Water Conservation Initiatives
Modi’s commitment to water conservation began during his time as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, where he initiated the Jal Mandir project, restoring around 1,200 traditional water bodies, such as step wells, to improve community water supply and groundwater recharge. This project complemented the expansive Narmada Canal system, which provides water to arid regions like Kutch.
At the national level, the Prime Minister’s Mission Amrit Sarovar aims to construct or rejuvenate 75 ponds in every district across India. Government data indicates that over 68,000 ponds have been created, significantly enhancing rural water access. This initiative is part of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has connected more than 151 million households to tap water since 2014.
Sanitation Reforms
Modi’s efforts to enhance sanitation also began in Gujarat with the Nirmal Gujarat initiative, aimed at eradicating open defecation through community-driven projects. This approach set the groundwork for the nationwide Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014, which achieved 100% sanitation coverage by 2019, leading to the construction of over 120 million toilets throughout India and transforming sanitation conditions in both rural and urban areas.
Sports and Youth Empowerment
In Gujarat, Modi advanced sports initiatives through the Khel Mahakumbh program, which aimed to nurture talent across various age groups. On a national scale, the Khelo India initiative, launched in 2016, has been instrumental in supporting young athletes. This program, along with the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, provides athletes with training, coaching, and financial assistance. India has celebrated significant successes in international sporting events, including record-breaking performances at the 2023 Asian Para Games and the upcoming 2024 Paris Paralympics.
As Chief Minister, Modi also led the Loha Campaign, which collected iron for the construction of the Statue of Unity, honoring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The campaign received contributions from over 300,000 villages. October 31 is now commemorated as National Unity Day, marked by events such as the Run for Unity.
Modi’s environmental initiatives include the Van Mahotsav tree-planting festival and the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam program, which has promoted the planting of 800 million trees nationwide. Both initiatives aim to encourage environmental responsibility while promoting gender equality.
Additionally, Modi has revived interest in Khadi, symbolizing India’s self-reliance, with reports indicating a 400% growth in Khadi product sales over the past decade. He has showcased the fabric at various international events, including the 2023 G20 Summit.
Har Ghar Tiranga and Vocal for Local
The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, initiated in 2022, encourages households to display the national flag during Independence Day celebrations. At the same time, Modi’s Vocal for Local initiative has significantly boosted sales of Indian-made goods, with over $4.52 billion in local products sold during Diwali 2023, supporting local industries and promoting economic growth.
