Experiencing the "MODI" in Sweden- a proud moment

Narendra Modi, the man with a mission, made a humble rise from a chaiwala (as he is gracefully acknowledged as) to become the prime minister of India, the largest democracy on earth, representing 1.25 billion people. India has witnessed several prime ministers before him but to be the true people’s leader is a feat which has hardly been achieved by anyone in the past. There has hardly been any leader whose lone intention was to make India a better country to live in, with better future to aspire for and if you stay abroad, you could say yourself as an Indian with dignity!

Well, this special status became a need, thanks to series of bad governance in the past by various democratic leaders, still under the roof a one-family business trying to rule the country. The equation changed in 2014 and Indians got lucky enough to find someone who would go on to serve the country than ruling it! Modi is the first statesman in Sweden after Barack Obama to address a Nordic summit and visited as Indian premier 30 years after his predecessor did so. The bi-lateral relation means a lot to a small country like Sweden (compared to the size of geography and population of India), but extremely rich in technological heritage. Sweden has a huge participation in India with 170 odd global companies headquartered in Sweden that are operating in India, as well as promoting technological cooperation and employment in India (Swedish export stands in excess of one billion USD). So, being able to host the summit in Stockholm, the Swedish prime minister Stefan Löfven also managed an additional score over his Nordic counterparts.

Coming back to the topic of this blog, I was privileged enough to meet Modi (not on one-on-one basis though), while he addressed the Indian diaspora of 1500 people of Indian origin in Stockholm university on 17^th April 2018. It was indeed a historic moment with Indians visiting from north to South of Sweden to meet Modi. A splendid spring afternoon with 15 degrees welcomed Modi for his day-long visit with a packed schedule to promote multi-lateral business propositions as well as strategic discussions, alongside meeting the royal family. The diaspora was the last thing in the evening before Modi was scheduled to depart for London. The audience had a graceful waiting in a 95% filled auditorium that was packed with nothing but patriotic sentiments. This is perhaps the effect of relentless hard work that Modi and his team have been putting forth that just does not go unnoticed by any Indian that stays connected with the developments. The audience was seen to be genuinely convinced by the Modi wave and aura, appreciating the change he is able to bring about India, on the global map.

Modi’s address largely centered around those facts and figures that his government is keen on pursuing the betterment of people, on as many fronts as possible. He spoke at length about both inward and outward relation and strategy of the country that is helping India’s prospects of being considered as a trusted partner from a tiny country to the mighty ones across the globe. His mandate in 2014 was “the biggest strength” that he has been able to ride upon, applying ordinance on critical decisions for the country, if such was called for! He boasted of Indian space program which has reached technological prowess alongside economic advantage, to be approached by many countries, who are not running their own space program. Its satellite programs are helping education as well as ecosystem even for the neighboring countries.

In terms of governance, he reiterated that the BJP Government has redefined the scenario such that “reaching out to the government is no more a privilege, but (is) becoming (more of) a practice,” he said. India has reduced bureaucracy to jump 42 positions to reach within the list of top 100 countries for doing business in. According to him, we are witnessing a transformed India with largest ever initiatives such as the health and wellness program called “Ayushman Bharat” that benefits intended target group of 40% people who live on poverty lines, assuring a health cover of INR 5 lakhs (500k). His pledge for clean technology by organizing international solar alliance summit where 60 countries participated is a sign of thought leadership that is expected of India by the world.

Modi appealed fellow Indians not just to stay emotionally connected but use the respective richness to invest in India physically, economically and intellectually. Following his visit, Sweden has already allocated 50M SEK (equivalent to 6MUSD) to Swedish research agency Vinnova for smart city program, through an innovation partnership agreement. I am sure, more engagements are to follow, especially under the Make in India effort.

In his 25 odd minutes speech, Modi filled the auditorium with an atmosphere of integrity, sincerity, love, and compassion for the country that just remains exemplary. Modi is one of its kind, a leader that the modern history has probably witnessed in recent times. He remains selfless and I believe that he would not do a personal favor to anyone, as he has no materialistic attachment compelling him to do so. So, all his favors to countries or individuals are in national interest. Let’s do a favor in supporting the causes he has been driving for, wishing him all the health and prosperity of life, not just for the wellness of India, Indians but for the whole world.

Long live MODI that stands for MODest Indian.