What Did Devendra Fadnavis Learn from His First Meeting with PM Modi?

New Delhi, Sep 16 (NationPress) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi approaches his 75th birthday, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared a memorable story that significantly influenced his view of the leader.

On the social media platform X, CM Fadnavis released an emotional video under the hashtag #MyModiStory, reflecting on his initial meeting with PM Modi at an event in Nagpur many years ago.

"My first encounter with @narendramodi ji in Nagpur left me with an indelible impression. I was a young Mayor, eager to absorb knowledge from seasoned leaders within our party,” Fadnavis recounted in the video.

He was referring to an 'Abhyaas Varg' held in Reshimbagh, Nagpur, a significant center for the ideological and organizational training of RSS and BJP members. During that time, Fadnavis was also the president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Nagpur and had the responsibility of organizing the event.

“During the Abhyaas Varg, I was tasked with ensuring that everything was in order for all guests. We had prepared proper rest houses for all dignitaries,” he noted.

However, what came next was unexpected.

“When Modi ji arrived, he first paid homage at Dr. Hedgewar's memorial. When I inquired about his accommodation, I expected him to prefer a rest house like other leaders. Instead, he simply stated that he wished to stay in the modest room within Reshimbagh designated for Sangh karyakartas,” Fadnavis shared.

He emphasized that PM Modi took personal charge of the event preparations, making sure that every participant was well looked after.

“That choice struck me profoundly. It demonstrated his humility and deep connection to the Sangh tradition. Throughout the event, he meticulously observed every detail to ensure all attendees were comfortable,” he remarked.

Maharashtra CM further applauded PM Modi, stating, "This first meeting profoundly impacted my perception of him. I saw a leader who prioritized simplicity over luxury and service over status. That image of Narendra Modi ji has always stayed with me.”

This anecdote surfaces as the BJP prepares to celebrate Prime Minister Modi’s 75th birthday on Wednesday, September 17. As part of the annual ritual, the party will kick off the ‘Seva Pakhwara’, a two-week campaign of welfare and outreach initiatives nationwide, reflecting PM Modi’s lifelong dedication to service and public welfare.

Born on September 17, 1950, in the small town of Vadnagar, Gujarat, Narendra Modi began his service journey at the young age of 17, eventually joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, PM Modi's life has been characterized by discipline, spirituality, and an unwavering commitment to national service.

He became a member of the BJP in 1985, held four consecutive terms as Gujarat’s Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014, and was inaugurated as India’s 14th Prime Minister in 2014. He is currently in his third term in office.