Spiritual leader Swami Chidanand Saraswati on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25-year journey in public life at an event marking the Seva Jyoti Yatra in Rishikesh, describing the Prime Minister's greatest strength as his ability to regard the entire nation as his own family. Swami Saraswati said Modi's tenure had breathed new life into the ideals of service, good governance, and nation-building.

A Journey That 'Etches Its Own History'

Welcoming the Seva Jyoti Yatra, Swami Saraswati drew a distinction between leaders who are merely mentioned in history books and those who, in his words, 'etch their own history' — placing PM Modi firmly in the latter category. He noted that while Modi's public life began in Gujarat with a focus on building a developed India, that vision had since broadened to encompass global peace and the welfare of humanity.

According to Swami Saraswati, every decision, goal, and achievement of the Prime Minister had been anchored in national interest and the country's welfare. He also praised Modi for combining intelligence with patience, and for inspiring Indians to believe that the country could lead the world.

Key Milestones Cited

Swami Saraswati highlighted what he described as defining milestones of the past 25 years, spanning, in his framing, 'from development and heritage to chips and ships, Surya Namaskar and Chandrayaan, science and spirituality, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath, and the Kedarnath Corridor and Mahakal Corridor.'

He specifically cited a range of policy decisions and initiatives under Modi's watch, including Demonetisation, surgical strikes, the Balakot air strikes, abrogation of Article 370, the law against triple talaq, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Digital India, UPI, India's G20 presidency, efforts to strengthen the Global South, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

On Criticism and 'Destiny'

Swami Saraswati acknowledged that PM Modi had faced sustained criticism and negative narratives over the course of his political journey, but said the Prime Minister had nevertheless shaped India's direction and 'destiny.' He added that Modi had encouraged Indians to believe the country could not only chart its own course but also help shape the broader trajectory of the world.

'The world today observes India through India's perspective,' Swami Saraswati said, underlining what he viewed as a fundamental shift in India's global standing.

Respect Across Ideological Lines

Swami Saraswati also praised the Prime Minister for showing respect to political figures beyond his own ideological circle, citing the conferral of the Bharat Ratna upon former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao as evidence of Modi's breadth of understanding and statesmanship. The remarks were seen as underscoring what the spiritual leader described as Modi's capacity to rise above partisan considerations.

The Seva Jyoti Yatra, at which these remarks were made, marks a moment of public reflection on the Prime Minister's quarter-century in public service — and, according to Swami Saraswati, only the beginning of a longer chapter in India's story.