Reflections on PM Modi’s Birthday: A journalist's front-row seat to India’s metamorphosis

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 75 on September 17, 2025, I find myself reflecting on a journey that spans over two decades. As a journalist, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing history unfold, often from a vantage point few get to experience. My encounters with PM Modi began long before he ascended to the nation’s highest office, and through these interactions, I’ve seen not just the man, but the profound transformation he has orchestrated in India. From a nation grappling with inertia to one striding confidently on the global stage, the Modi era has been nothing short of revolutionary. On this milestone birthday, allow me to share my personal anecdotes and observations as a chronicler of this remarkable epoch.

I still remember one of my initial interviews with Narendra Modi in 2001, shortly after he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat. I was a young reporter at Zee News, eager to delve into the stories shaping our country. I requested an interview, and to my surprise, he agreed without hesitation. We met in his modest office, where the air was thick with the scent of fresh chai and determination. Modi spoke with a clarity that struck me, outlining his vision for Gujarat’s development, emphasizing governance reforms, and stressing the need for accountability. He was still a polished orator the world knows today; he was a global leader in the making, grounded in RSS principles and fueled by an unyielding work ethic. That 20-minute conversation turned into an hour, as he patiently explained his plans for water conservation and industrial growth. Little did I know, this was the start of a professional relationship that would allow me to track his evolution from state leader to national icon.

Over the years, I’ve interviewed PM Modi multiple times, each session revealing layers of his personality and policy acumen. One memorable encounter was in 2014, just before his historic Lok Sabha victory. As the anchor of DNA on Zee News, I hosted him in a candid discussion about his agenda for India. He arrived for the interview after a day-long election campaign with his trademark energy, despite a grueling and non-stop campaign schedule for the Lok Sabha election. What stood out was his humility, after the interview he insisted on greeting the entire crew, from the cameraman to the makeup artist, got pictures clicked with everyone in the team asked them if they were hungry and then offered them tea and snacks. During the interview, he articulated his dream of a “New India,” free from the shackles of corruption and inefficiency. I pressed him on challenges like unemployment and inflation, and his responses were forthright, backed by data and resolve. It was evident then that this wasn’t mere rhetoric; it was a blueprint for change. I could see a total clarity in his eyes for the road map of the new india.

As a journalist under the Modi regime, I’ve witnessed India’s transformation firsthand, often through the lens of my shows—be it DNA, Black & White on Aaj Tak, or now Decode on DD News. When Modi took office in 2014, India was plagued by policy paralysis, scams like 2G and coal gate eroding public trust, and an economy teetering on the brink. Fast-forward to 2025, and the narrative has flipped. The GST rollout in 2017, which I covered extensively, unified our fragmented tax system, boosting revenue and easing business. Critics called it chaotic at first, but as I traveled across states interviewing traders and entrepreneurs, I saw how it streamlined operations, turning India into a single market. Today, our GDP has surged past $4 trillion, making us the world’s fifth-largest economy, with projections to hit third soon.

Infrastructure has been another pillar of this metamorphosis. I remember reporting from remote villages in Uttar Pradesh before 2014, where electricity was a luxury. Under schemes like Saubhagya, over 2.6 crore households got power connections, illuminating lives literally and figuratively. High-speed rail projects, expressways like the Delhi-Mumbai corridor, and the expansion of metro networks in cities from Ahmedabad to Kochi—these aren’t just concrete structures; they’re arteries pumping economic vitality. For example during my visits to Gujarat for stories on the Statue of Unity, I interacted with locals whose livelihoods transformed through tourism. PM Modi’s push for “Make in India” has attracted global giants like Tesla and Apple, creating jobs and fostering innovation. As someone who has moderated panels at different events and platforms, I’ve seen foreign investors’ skepticism turn to enthusiasm.

Digitally, India’s leap has been astounding. The Jan Dhan Yojana opened over 50 crore bank accounts, bringing financial inclusion to the masses. I covered the demonetization drive in 2016, amid debates and queues, but it paved the way for a cashless economy. UPI, now handling billions of transactions monthly, is a global envy, exported to countries like France and UAE. In my shows , I have often highlighted how Aadhaar-linked services have curbed leakages in welfare schemes, ensuring direct benefit transfers reach the needy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I reported on the world’s largest vaccination drive, CoWIN, which administered over 220 crore doses efficiently. PM Modi’s leadership during those dark days, his addresses to the nation, the free ration scheme for 80 crore people prevented a humanitarian crisis.

On the international front, Modi has elevated India’s stature. From my coverage of his initial foreign visits, to the 2023 G20 Summit in Delhi, to the recent SCO summit in China, I’ve seen diplomacy shift from reactive to proactive. The  Uri surgical strike, Balakot strikes in 2019 and Operation Sindoor in 2025 which I analyzed in real-time, showcased our resolve against terrorism. Initiatives like International Solar Alliance and Vaccine Maitri have positioned India as a responsible global player. In 2024, when India mediated in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, earning praise from world leaders, it underscored our growing influence.

Yet, beyond policies, it’s Modi’s personal touch that resonates. In 2019, during an interview before elections, he shared stories from his childhood in Vadnagar, selling tea on railway platforms and how he feels about below the belt criticism from opponents. It humanized him, reminding me that great leaders rise from ordinary roots. I’ve seen him interact with children at Red Fort on Independence Day, inspiring the next generation, or consoling families after disasters like the Morbi bridge collapse. His discipline, waking at 4 AM, practicing yoga, sets an example. Critics accuse him of centralization, but as a journalist, I’ve observed how he empowers states through cooperative federalism, evident in schemes like PM Gati Shakti.

As PM Modi celebrates his 75th birthday, India stands at the cusp of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Challenges remain, inequality, climate change, geopolitical tensions but his vision provides a roadmap. My journey as a journalist under his regime has been enriching, from skepticism in 2001 to admiration today. He’s not just transformed India; he’s redefined leadership. Happy Birthday, Prime Minister. May you continue guiding us toward greater heights.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent the views of exchange4media.com.