Navsari (Gujarat) [India], September 8 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that power, organisational positions and prestige should be used for public service, as he praised BJP workers in Gujarat for their efforts towards the welfare of people.
PM Modi laid foundation stones, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation development projects worth more than Rs 35,000 crore in Vadodara
Addressing a public rally in Navsari after the event, PM Modi said the BJP's long-standing presence in the region has been sustained by its workers' commitment to service rather than the “pride of power”.
“After all these years and so much love, they have firmly held onto the path of service. For us, ‘Rest is forbidden’ is not just a slogan. Every single one of our workers works day and night, making every effort for public service,” PM Modi said.
He highlighted cleanliness drives being undertaken across villages in Navsari with public participation and said that change driven by ordinary citizens creates lasting confidence.
“When change comes through the power of the common people, that change is permanent; that change creates new confidence,” he said.
PM Modi also praised efforts to make Navsari district malnutrition-free, saying such initiatives were more valuable than electoral support because they earned the blessings of mothers and families.
“Making a district malnutrition-free is like getting the blessings of every mother in every family. That is a thing which is millions of times more powerful than a vote,” he said.
He also lauded BJP workers for their efforts to make Navsari TB-free, saying that helping people overcome the disease would benefit future generations.
“My worker from Navsari district resolves that we will make Navsari district TB-free; it means you are working for the welfare of coming generations,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said the spirit of service should guide every aspect of public life.
“Power too is for service, organisation too for service, post too for service, prestige too for service, system too for service. Service of every single person, and only then does power also become sensitive,” he said.
He also recalled his early years as Gujarat Chief Minister.
“I would go to villages on June 13, 14, 15, in the 44-degree heat... And for girls' education, I would wander around villages, taking the girls to school by holding their hands, convincing their parents to educate them,” he said.
Recalling his meetings with women who had benefited from education, PM Modi said such experiences gave him greater satisfaction than holding political office.
“Service never goes in vain. And society is so generous that it never forgets to repay the debt. Through its blessings, it repays that debt,” he said.