As with individual human beings, nations also go through their own arcs of evolution. Bharat, one of the most ancient of civilisations in the world, is poised at a very crucial phase in its evolution. We are faced with multiple challenges – complex issues of economy, land, soil and water, a burgeoning population, national security. In all this, we are looking at a narrow window of opportunity of some 20-25 years. We are at a juncture – and we have choices. We can act with resoluteness and shift the course of 1.3 billion people, harness the potential of our demographic dividend, invest in raising the quality and consciousness of the people and steer the economy and ecology on the right track. Or, we could let things slide and pass up the opportunity to move an entire generation from one state of existence to another.

Mother India and her people collectively have long been anticipating this opportunity, and this need for resolute action. At this critical juncture, the need of the hour was a committed force that would function as politics beyond self-interest, politics beyond entitlements. There has been a deep longing in India for determined, selfless leadership. Right now, this will of the nation has manifested in the form of Narendra Modi. I believe this is a tipping point: from here on, this change in the dynamics of India’s population, this upsurge of the spirit of a youthful nation, will inevitably go on to create more and more decisive and firm leadership. This new, unswerving course will be set because it has now been set in the heart, mind and consciousness of India.

The Indian ethos, remarkable for its forbearance rather than for its aggression, has always been inclined to allow events to unfold. At this time in our history, this underlying ethos is undergoing a subtle but fundamental shift. India is now moving from acceptance to action, from detachment to active engagement. India has been stirred to responsibility and involvement. While we are being aided by the changing tide, it is the most appropriate time for this nation to be helmed by a leader with an immense sense of commitment and courage.

In doing this, it is of utmost importance that we are multidimensional in our approach to well-being – factoring in the ecological health of our land, building the mental and spiritual strength of the individual, and ensuring no one is left behind. This is particularly important because the strength of India as a nation is just the people. We are not endowed with enormous natural resources, nor are we currently on par with the world in technological advancement. In many ways, our late and disrupted strides towards development and modernity have put us at a severe disadvantage. However, we are a people with a tremendous sanskaric and genetic lineage, marked by access to intrinsic intelligence and a certain mental fortitude and stoicism. Our only way to success is to tap this inherent potential of our population. For this to happen we need to do everything to enhance the life and well-being of the individual – because without building great human beings there is no great nation.

It has been one of the most heartening aspects of Modi’s leadership that he has brought into mainstream focus several issues pertaining to the common man’s quality of life, which had been neglected as ‘pedestrian concerns’. Basic matters like cleanliness, sanitation, fitness, access to drinking water, electricity, household gas, banking access, communication and digital competence, are now being addressed as prime issues for the nation. The government may create policy and plan budgets, but true success for India will manifest when each individual citizen stands up to act in his or her own responsibility. The measure of achievement is not just in the ability to frame laws or develop infrastructure. To be able to inspire and move people to act for their own emancipation is the key to the success of a generation. It is in his ability to exhort and support the individual Indian that Modi has excelled. No man is a perfect man, but he is the man of the moment.

In marking his birthday, we are celebrating the fact that a person, who was born into a most disadvantaged social situation, has today been placed by the people of this nation in the highest elected office of the country. We celebrate the power of democracy and India’s will. May the will of the people of this great land manifest its true destiny.