𝘖𝘯 𝘉𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘵 𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘯𝘢 𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙗 𝙈𝙪𝙠𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙟𝙚𝙚'𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘺, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙝𝙖 𝙈𝙪𝙠𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙟𝙚𝙚 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵'𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘕𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢 𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘪. 𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗔 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗜 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗬 𝗙𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥, 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗕 𝗠𝗨𝗞𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗝𝗘𝗘: 𝗔 𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 In the world of polity, where relationships are defined by formalities and protocol,... the bond between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and my father, Pranab Mukherjee, stands out as a rare example of camaraderie that transcended political boundaries. Despite ideologically contrasting backgrounds, their relationship blossomed on the foundations of mutual admiration, respect, and a shared commitment to the nation. When Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, he was stepping onto the national stage after over a decade as Chief Minister of Gujarat. My father, then President of India, with his vast experience in governance, became an indispensable guide to Narendra Modi. I remember how warmly Baba welcomed him, offering his support in constitutional matters while respecting their distinct roles. During their very first meeting after Narendra Modi’s electoral victory in 2014, the Prime Minister touched my father’s feet—a gesture of reverence that left a lasting impression on everyone. Baba later told me about that moment and how he candidly assured Narendra Modi: “We belong to two different ideologies, but the people have given you a mandate. I will not interfere with governance—that is your job. But I will be there if you need help in any constitutional matter.” Narendra Modi often acknowledged the significance of this assurance, recounting in one of my conversations with him. He said, “For Dada to say this was a big thing. From the beginning, there was openness and honesty between us.” Baba’s diary entries revealed just how profound their bond was. He noted that even when Narendra Modi was Gujarat’s Chief Minister and a vocal critic of the Congress, he always touched Baba’s feet during their private meetings. “I don’t know why, but he has a strange soft corner for me,” Baba once wrote. Their connection extended beyond governance into shared values and spirituality. Baba once told Narendra Modi that their bond might stem from their mutual reverence for Swami Vivekananda and Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, central figures in the Ramakrishna Mission. Narendra Modi often referred to my father as a mentor, especially during his early days as Prime Minister. Baba’s wisdom and experience in navigating the complexities of governance provided invaluable guidance. At Baba’s farewell ceremony as President in 2017, Narendra Modi delivered an emotional speech, calling him “a father figure” and “a mentor who inspired me to work harder for the nation.” This admiration was mutual. In his memoir, The Presidential Years: 2012–2017, Baba praised Narendra Modi’s decisiveness and work ethic while acknowledging occasional policy disagreements. He appreciated Narendra Modi’s governance reforms and his ability to connect with people. Baba wrote in his diary, “Modi has a very professional approach to statecraft. He truly feels the pulse of the people.” He also observed that, after Indira Gandhi, Narendra Modi is one of the rare Prime Ministers who not only understands the pulse of the people but also possesses immense political strength. My father also had some initial apprehensions about how Narendra Modi, coming from state politics and without prior experience in national or parliamentary roles, would handle India’s complex foreign policy. PM Modi’s transition from state politics to the national stage, becoming a Member of Parliament and then the Prime Minister, was a significant leap. However, my father was quick to appreciate PM Modi's ability to adapt and excel. He remarked in several interviews, how PM Modi swiftly grasped the intricacies of India’s foreign policy—a domain known for its complexity. During his 2014 oath-taking ceremony, Narendra Modi made a decision to invite the SAARC leaders, a gesture that my father deeply appreciated. He considered it a highly innovative and strategic initiative, remarking that PM Modi is truly an out-of-the-box thinker. My father not only praised this bold move but also offered a word of advice to the Prime Minister to ensure that security arrangements were exceptionally tight. Their bond extended beyond official duties. I recall an instance when Narendra Modi, learning that Baba felt uneasy without work after retiring as President, personally called him. “Dada, please don’t be depressed. Your words of wisdom have great value for the nation. You should speak your mind at seminars and public events,” he told Baba. This simple yet thoughtful gesture showcased the depth of their connection. One of the most heartfelt moments in their relationship was Narendra Modi’s handwritten farewell letter to Baba, calling him a “father figure” and expressing deep gratitude. Baba was touched by this gesture and even shared the letter on social media, showcasing the emotional bond they shared. When Baba passed away in August 2020, Narendra Modi’s tributes revealed the void his absence left in his life. Calling Baba a “guide and mentor,” Narendra Modi emphasized his commitment to placing the nation above political divides. When Baba was awarded the Bharat Ratna, I remember seeing Narendra Modi Ji’s face beam with pride. He was genuinely happy, a moment that reflected the magnanimity of his government in honouring stalwarts irrespective of political affiliations. My father often said, “Modi is a quick learner and a hard worker.” The work ethic Narendra Modi demonstrated—reportedly working up to 20 hours a day—resonated with my father, who shared a similar dedication to public service during his career. Their relationship is a powerful example of how mutual respect and shared dedication to national progress can transcend political differences. Their relationship leaves a legacy of unity and statesmanship for future generations to emulate #ModiStoryshow more

Modi Story

91,980 subscribers

Paylaş İndir