Padma Shri awardee Bharat Bhushan on Wednesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Modi government completed 12 years in office, saying a visible and far-reaching transformation had taken place across sectors — from infrastructure and healthcare to space exploration and India's standing on the world stage. Bhushan made the remarks in Saharanpur, offering a sweeping assessment of what he described as a leadership-driven national renewal.

Transformation Across Sectors

'Just as the sun shifts from one side to another over 12 hours, a visible transformation can clearly be seen in the country,' Bhushan said. 'Development can be witnessed in every sphere — from infrastructure and healthcare to agriculture and India's international prestige.' He pointed to renewed confidence among Indian scientists and cited advances in road connectivity, healthcare expansion, and space exploration as markers of this change.

Bhushan argued that sustained public support for the government was itself evidence of delivery. 'If the country had not seen development, people would not continue to support the government after 12 years. People judge governments by performance,' he said.

Yoga, Soft Power and Global Recognition

Highlighting PM Modi's role in internationalising yoga, Bhushan credited the initiative with strengthening India's global image. 'The Prime Minister has elevated yoga to a global level. It creates trust, unity and a sense of shared purpose,' he said. He added that at a time when many nations were facing conflict, India had emerged as a source of hope and moral leadership, pointing to the country's Covid-19 vaccine outreach as an expression of that spirit.

Self-Reliance, Digital India and Flagship Schemes

On PM Modi's emphasis on Swadeshi and natural farming, Bhushan said both were foundational to building a more self-reliant nation. 'Swadeshi and natural farming strengthen self-reliance and self-respect. India once prospered by relying on its own resources, and this vision certainly points toward a bright future,' he said. He also praised flagship initiatives — Digital India, Ujjwala, and Make in India — saying the PM's vision had focused on public welfare and empowering citizens at the grassroots. 'India's digitisation has become one of the largest in the world, and many countries are now looking at India for inspiration,' Bhushan added.

Military Resolve and the Padma Awards

Referring to India's military responses including surgical strikes and Operation Sindoor, Bhushan said the country had projected strength and resolve globally. 'The world has witnessed India's resolve. The objective is that no enemy dares raise an eye toward the country again,' he said. On the Union government's approach to the Padma awards, he stressed the importance of recognising unsung contributors in agriculture, research, infrastructure and public service. 'Genuine talent deserves recognition. Hidden contributors should be brought forward and honoured for their work,' he added.

Wishes for the Road Ahead

Extending personal wishes to Prime Minister Modi, Bhushan said the PM's commitment to public service and his ability to build consensus had become clearly visible over the past decade-plus. 'I extend my best wishes to him for the years ahead and pray that he remains healthy and continues serving the nation,' he said. As the government crosses the 12-year mark, assessments from civil society voices such as Bhushan are likely to feature prominently in the ruling party's outreach narrative in the months ahead.