New Delhi: “Sadhu banun ya sainik (Shall I become an ascetic or a soldier)?” This was one of the major dilemmas facing a young Narendra Modi as he explored avenues to serve the nation. Finally, he opted for social service to do his bit for the country — a decision he arrived at during his stay in the Himalayas.
How do we know this? Because the Bharatiya Janata Party has put up this piece of information as part of a gallery of photographs, illustrations and textual anecdotes to celebrate PM Modi’s birthday week, which it has titled ‘Seva Saptah’ or service week. The exhibition ends on 20 September.
Some of these exhibits show Modi as ‘Sankatmochak’ (one who alleviates suffering, also a name for Lord Hanuman), ‘Kitaabon ke samandar ke gotakhor’ (an avid reader), ‘Divyaangon ke sacche saathi’ (true friend of persons with disabilities), and ‘Paryavaran ke sipahi’ (environmental warrior).
They also describe him as a sensitive writer, poet, social thinker, and even the “brave child” who brought a baby crocodile home.
“At one time, young Narendra listened to his conscience and went looking to learn about life in the company of nature, in the lap of the Himalayas, with two sets of clothes and many questions,” the exhibit titled ‘Himalaya ki god mein’ states.
The display, which otherwise touches upon all aspects of Modi’s life, makes no mention of any family member apart from his mother.
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From selling tea to the prime ministership
The gallery begins narrating Modi’s life story right from his childhood — the days of struggle as he served tea at Vadnagar railway station. They also give a peek into the personal aspects of his life, including his school days, his decision to become a swayamsevak, and his political journey.
They also highlight the work done by him as Gujarat chief minister — with exhibits titled ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ and ‘Gujarat Model’ — and on his tenure as Prime Minister.
The image of PM Modi hugging and consoling ISRO chief K. Sivan after the failure of Chandrayaan-2’s Vikram lander to touch down on the south pole of the Moon, which had captured the hearts of many, is also featured under the title ‘Sankatmochak’.
“Modi was constantly by the side of ISRO scientists and after the failure he consoled the scientists and told them not to give up,” the exhibit states.
Issues like cleanliness, ban on the use of single-use plastics, water conservation, girl child education, and combating terrorism are also touched upon.
‘24 hours are not enough’
Another thing the gallery praises Modi for is shunning the VIP culture. “During the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia, PM Modi refused to sit on a special sofa and choose to sit in a chair like any other person, which surprised many,” an exhibit states.
Other exhibits call the scrapping of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir and outlawing the practice of triple talaq among Muslims “historic” achievements.
The gallery also features all the awards won by Modi from across the world.
Talking about his hardworking image, one exhibit also says: “24 ghante bhi kam hain, bande mai itna dum hai (the man has so much drive that even 24 hours are not enough).”
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