P K Laheri

Shri P. K. Laheri is a former Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat. During his career in civil services, he has worked in various departments. He has also worked in Government of India as Executive Director- National Institute of Fashion Technology. He worked with five Chief Ministers of Gujarat as their Principal Secretary. Post retirement, Shri Laheri was associated with Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited as Chairman and Managing Director.

It has been my rare privilege to have known and worked with Shree Narendra Modi for quite sometime. When he is completing 70 years of his eventful life on 17^th September 2020, I convey to him my best wishes for a long healthy and happy life. May God give him enough strength and energy to serve our great motherland.

Narendrabhai not only shares with Swami Vivekanand his original name ‘Narendra’,but has successfully modelled his personality on the ideals of Swami Vivekanand. As we all know Swamiji’s concerns for making the country & its people strong, self-reliant and sensitive to suffering have shaped the minds of our generation.       . 

 Swami Vivekanand has said;

“Three things are necessary to make every man great, every nation great :

1. Conviction of the powers of goodness. 2. Absence of jealousy and suspicion, 

3. Helping all who are trying to be good and do good.”

Shree Narendrabhai has imbibed the message of Swami Vivekanand and has   followed his footprints consciously and with commitment. The qualities of Shree Narendra Modi’s personality that are so visible to the world today have their roots in the preaching of  Swami Vivekanand. Swamiji’s call  “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached “vibrates in the minds of the youth today. 

Narendra Modi has played major role in  propagating the values of ancient culture & modern scientific thinking which will be recorded in the history as an important success story. Life is always full of challenges, struggles and occasional defeats but the great personality like Shree Narendrabhai Modi overcomes these with    determination, dedication and hard work. We need hundreds of pages to describe the journey of 70 years of life of Narendrabhai but that option not being available. I will attempt to highlight the salient qualities of his personality

1.    Positivity :

Narendrabhai has a very positive attitude. He views every situation with optimism and with equanimity of  mind. Naturally, we are reminded of Swami Vivekanand’s words: “All the powers is within you; you can do anything and everything; Believe in that; do not believe that you are weak. Stand up & express the divinity within you.”

2.    Ambition :

It is said; “Missing a high target is pardonable but aiming low is a crime.” Swami Vivekanand dispelled the belief that Sanatan Dharma is all about the spirituality and “moksha” Swamiji called upon us; “your countries need heroes, be heroes.” Narendrabhai was determined to rise high & make a difference. He has done it.

3.    Down-to-Earth-ness :

Narendrabhai has retained his natural ways of doing things. He has followed his own trajectory. He has travelled on a path not treaded by ordinary persons. In doing so this extra ordinary person has remained down to earth. Swami Vivekanand had said; “the greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in your selves.”Narendra Modi has remained true his nature consistently.

4.    Determination :

ShriNarendrabhai is known for his firm determination and decisions. He has iron will and matching self confidence to take on the most daunting tasks. Here too, we are reminded of the words of Swami Vivekanand; “there is only one difference between dream and determination. Dream requires effortless sleep and determination requires sleepless efforts.”

5.    Energy :

Narendrabhai is known for his phenomenal capacity to work. While keeping fit through yoga and disciplined life, he is an embodiment of swami’s words; “Do not look back – look forward, infinite energy, infinite enthusiasm infinite daring and infinite patience, then alone great deeds are accomplished.”

6.    Memory :

Narendrabhai has great capacity to recall all events, persons & conversations quickly and accurately. It is said; “Memories are timeless treasures of the heart.” Narendrabhai proves it right. A picture is worth a thousand words but a memory is priceless.

7.    Innovativeness :

The greatest asset of Narendrabhai is his ability to think out of the box. His “Innovative Abilities” are very useful in making him a rare leader. Steve jobs had rightly said; “Innovation distinguishes a leader and a follower.

8.    Communication :

In an age of revolutionary changes in the modes of communication, Narendrabhai  has proved time and again that he has complete mastery over communication. Communication works for those who work at it – listen, establish human connection and persuade people with their words & body language.

 ShriNarendrabhai Modi’s personality is a role model to innumerable people all over the world. On his 70^th birthday, the people everywhere would rejoice & get inspired. 

We all pray to God for his well-being & success. Many happy returns of the day to you Narendrabhai.