Twenty-five years ago, on 7 October 2001, a political journey began on the soil of Gujarat that would reshape the governance of an entire nation. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has marked the occasion with a heartfelt tribute, saluting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unbroken quarter-century of public service — first as Gujarat's Chief Minister and then as India's Prime Minister.

Writing in Gujarati, CM Patel called 7 October 2001 an 'historic day' when 'a new era of public service and good governance began from the soil of Gujarat.' He described Modi's journey as a testament to 'patriotism, strong willpower, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the poor,' invoking the Prime Minister's now-famous governing motto: 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas' — 'Together with all, development for all, trust of all, and effort of all.'

From Gujarat CM to PM: a 25-year arc of 'Seva'

Modi was sworn in as Gujarat's Chief Minister on 7 October 2001, stepping into the role mid-term during a turbulent period for the state. He went on to serve three full terms as Chief Minister before being elected Prime Minister in May 2014, a post he has held since. CM Patel's post carries the hashtag #25YearsOfSeva and #SevaSankalpAbhiyan — 'Seva Sankalp' translating roughly to 'the pledge of service' — signalling a coordinated BJP effort to mark the milestone.

Patel highlighted two guiding principles he attributed to Modi: 'Rashtra-hit sarvopari' — 'national interest above all' — and 'Seva paramo dharma' — 'service is the highest duty.' He credited these principles with bringing about what he described as a 'qualitative and positive change' in the lives of ordinary citizens through the effective implementation of welfare schemes targeting the poor, youth, farmers, and women.

Gujarat's pledge to walk in step toward 'Viksit Bharat 2047'

CM Patel closed his message with a forward-looking commitment: Gujarat will 'always march in step' with the Prime Minister's vision of building a self-reliant and developed India — Aatmanirbhar Bharat — by 2047, the centenary of India's independence. 'On behalf of all citizens of Gujarat, I extend heartfelt congratulations and good wishes to the respected Prime Minister,' he wrote.

The tribute underlines the enduring political bond between Gujarat and its most prominent export to national politics — a relationship the BJP has consistently leveraged as both an origin story and a governance model. As Modi's 25th year of continuous public office is formally marked, the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' framing suggests the party intends the anniversary to carry campaign energy well beyond a single social-media post.