Shankar Mahadevan

Shankar Mahadevan is a popular Indian singer and composer. He has received numerous awards and recognitions though out his career. He is a recipient of National Film Award and Padma Shri. He is based in Mumbai.

The first time I heard about Modiji was when he was the CM of Gujarat and all the good work he had done in the state. I remember listening to his speeches and was impressed by the clarity of his vision and his oratory skills. 

India rejoiced when he became Prime Minister and there was a palpable excitement in the country. He launched Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to create awareness about the need for cleanliness and eradication of open defecation in the country. I thought this was a great initiative by the Prime Minister and I understand that over 9 crore toilets were built in a span of 5 years.

The enactment of the GST was another milestone for the country and it accelerated ease of doing business. The Prime Minister and his cabinet played a critical role in ensuring its implementation.  His first term also saw over 10 crore new gas connections and electricity across every corner of India. Also, over 35 crore new bank accounts were open as part of the Jan Dhan Yojana . 

His handling of the URI and Pulwama attacks were strong, swift and decisive. It sent the message to the world that India will not tolerate any attack on its sovereignty. 

If there were any doubt about his leadership skills, they were put to rest by the people of India who gave him a resounding mandate to begin his second term as Prime Minister of India. 

I had the honour of meeting him on a few occasions. My sons and I had performed in front of him and when he met me after the performance, he had encouraging words about my sons. On a lighter note, he had asked my wife if I talk to her in the same way as I sing Breathless. I also had the privilege to sing for Non-Stop India during the 72nd Independence Day celebrations. The song revolved around India’s accelerated development. I sang it in one breath! Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the efforts and commented on Twitter, “Lovely composition @Shankar_Live. For many, it brings back memories of ‘Breathless.’ Like your song, 125 crore Indians are working non-stop for India’s progress.’’ I personally met him after a few months and asked him whether he liked the Non- Stop India song to which he quickly replied that he had tweeted about the song. I was amazed by his memory. 

His clarion call for Atma Nirbhar Bharat has to be lauded. A self reliant India is a strong India and an Atma Nirbhar Bharat is indeed the right path ahead. His recently articulated his vision of India becoming a hub and leading Toys Manufacturer in the world. 

Prime Minister Modi has always encouraged Digitisation and being a computer engineer myself, I could not agree more.  His vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy is indeed commendable. 

Over the years, Prime Minister Modi has emerged as a global leader and his opinions are sought at world forums. He has also emerged as a key figure in the international effort to tackle climate change, as global warming affects millions of people across. This is indeed a matter of pride for all Indians. 

These are Covid times. Prime Minister Modi was quick in communicating to the people of India about the deadly nature of the virus and convinced an entire nation to go on a lockdown. The people of India responded willingly at his behest and the lockdown gave India the time to prepare for the pandemic. His handling of the pandemic has received global recognition and I am glad that he is the Prime Minister of our country, especially during these tough times. Although we are not out of the woods I am convinced that the necessary steps will be taken to protect the people of India. 

Finally whenever I see Prime Minister Modi, I think of a man who is working single-mindedly and tirelessly, with perseverance and passion to make India a great nation. His vision, creativity and ideas are refreshing and inspiring. On the joyous occasion of his 70^th birthday , my family and I join the rest of India to wish him a very happy birthday.