New Delhi, Sep 17 (NationPress) ‘Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: A Journey of Grit and Glory’ is how the spiritual pilgrimage undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the revered Mount Kailash in 1988 is commemorated on his 75th birthday.

Back in 1988, Narendra Modi, then a BJP official, embarked on a challenging expedition to Mount Kailash, the sacred dwelling of Lord Shiva and a prominent spiritual destination for Hindus. He led a group of devotees on an unforgettable trek.

He navigated the tough Himalayan terrains on foot, overcoming the most daunting sections of the pilgrimage, inspiring his fellow devotees with his steadfast perseverance and unwavering determination.

Modi Archive, a trending social media account, unearthed archival images, sharing previously unseen photos from this spiritual journey.

It reveals that Narendra Modi set off on a pilgrimage that few dared to envision in 1988, as part of one of eight selected groups comprising 200 participants for the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

“The fifteen-day trek commenced with steep ascents, harsh climatic conditions, and high altitudes challenging every step. Although horses were offered, PM Modi opted to walk, often arriving at each stop ahead of his peers. His quiet endurance and unwavering resolve served as an inspiration to the group, exemplifying true grit in times of adversity,” it noted.

Further detailing this remarkable journey, it recounts that upon reaching Dolma Pass, one of the highest and most daunting points of the Yatra, the group encountered a crisis after forgetting a diya for the pooja. However, the calm and resourceful Modi lit one from his own hand, prompting the pilgrims to join in singing the Aarti of Lord Shankara.

This experience allowed PM Modi to witness the extreme poverty and suffering of the people, leaving a profound impact on him—an experience he had previously observed during his time as an RSS pracharak.

“By the end of the Yatra, the journey had pushed every boundary—physical, mental, and spiritual. Yet it revealed a truth that would resonate throughout Modi’s life: authentic leadership emerges during the most challenging journeys, when the stakes are highest, and when one prioritizes service over self,” remarked Modi Archive.

This remarkable pilgrimage to Mount Kailash profoundly influenced PM Modi's philosophies and underscored the importance of embracing 'Seva (service)' in daily life.

‘Service is the Resolve, India First the Inspiration,’ the slogan commemorating PM Modi's 75th birthday, is a vivid reflection of the lessons learned years ago.