Gary N. Harilela JP

Gary N. Harilela JP is the Vice-Chairman and Director of the Harilela Group, Hong Kong. He has been awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre du Merite du Niger. The Harilela group runs businesses ranging from hotel and real estate investment to import and export trading.

It is indeed an honour for me to be asked to share my impressions of our beloved Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi.  

The first and foremost thought that crosses my mind with regard to Modi ji is, “ When the going gets tough, the tough gets going!”. This proverb is testimony of his tenacity, perseverance, fortitude, grit and determination.  He is an exemplary orator and has earned a special place for himself in the hearts of his audience by virtue of his diction, bi-lingual prowess and the choice of words which come straight from the depths of his heart.  He is a politician of awestriking attributes. 

The global community has great admiration for Modi ji for his energy, futuristic vision and impeccable planning all directed towards making India a great country.  India under his leadership, since 2014, has achieved milestones unheard of.  India has carved a niche for itself in various realms and has become a name to reckon with in the international forum. In fact, no other prime minister in the history of India, has etched an indelible mark in the minds of people in the country and across the globe. 

His magic spell is evident from the fact that many Heads of State look upon him as a strong and courageous leader with a determination to take the country to a level beyond anyone’s imagination.  He is a Prime Minister who is worthy of emulation and reverence. He stands tall amongst all the international leaders as a statesman of par excellence and integrity. 

Born in a humble poor family in Gujarat, Modi ji came into the national political arena in 2014. Prior to that he ruled Gujarat State from 2001 to 2014 as its Chief Minister during which Gujarat witnessed an unprecedented growth and development. Since he took over as Prime Minister in 2014, he was given the fresh challenge of taking the entire nation on a similar growth trajectory.  

The nation has since then witnessed some revolutionary changes.  He has transformed the laid back slow moving bureaucracy, result orientation in governance, intolerance to corruption and inefficiency. He did not hesitate to implement much criticized demonetization, national necessity to curb fake currency and black money, GST (essential for national growth and ease of tax compliance), the Swachh Bharat Mission to create awareness among citizens and make them build toilets in their home premises. 

Each of these decisions were discussed in all the national news media and social media with supporters and detractors at each other’s throats. Never had the country witnessed such levels of involvement by the common man. 

With the Self – Reliant India programme, he has carried out major restructuring, thereby, making business endeavours in India easier.  I am particularly impressed that while carrying out his mission, he did not try to appease minorities by taking on the abolition of Triple Talak issue.  As a result of the reforms carried out by him the economy has performed well compared to historic times. 

While catering to the interests of the welfare of the poor in the country he also travelled across the globe to strengthen the country’s international relations.  His charisma earned the friendship of leaders of many nations, who supported his bold moves such as the abolition of Article 370, redefine the statehoods of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and his refusal to compromise with the challenges in the form of aggressive postures at the borders and earned him the reputation as a leader with strong conviction and authority. 

The year 2020 has brought still further challenges in the form of a more worryingly Covid 19 pandemic and impact of lockdown on an already challenged economy. Modi ji has done everything to benefit the interest of the country and has changed the millions of lives. He has proved to be a Harbinger of Change, in the true sense!   

I wish Modi ji continued good health, happiness and success in all his endeavours.   May the country under his able and dynamic leadership continue to grow and prosper in the years ahead.