Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday marked the 23rd anniversary of the day he took oath as chief minister of Gujarat in 2001, sharing nostalgic photographs and recalling his late mother’s words of advice that continue to guide him.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Modi expressed gratitude to the people of India as he entered his 25th year in public office, having served both as chief minister and later as prime minister.

“On this day in 2001, I took oath as Gujarat’s chief minister for the first time. Thanks to the continuous blessings of my fellow Indians, I am entering my 25th year of serving as the head of a Government,” the prime minister wrote.

He added that his years in governance have been devoted to improving the lives of citizens and contributing to the progress of the nation.

“Through all these years, it has been my constant endeavour to improve the lives of our people and contribute to the progress of this great nation that has nurtured us all,” he said.

Recalling mother’s words


PM Modi also shared a personal memory from 2001, when he was about to assume office as Gujarat’s chief minister.

“When I took oath as Chief Minister, I remember my Mother telling me — I do not have much understanding of your work but I only seek two things. First, you will always work for the poor and second, you will never take a bribe,” Modi said.

He noted that he had promised the people of Gujarat that every action he took would be “with the best intent” and driven by a vision to serve “the very last person in the queue.”

From Gujarat to the Prime Minister’s Office

Modi was sworn in as Gujarat’s chief minister on October 7, 2001, succeeding Keshubhai Patel. At the time, Gujarat was recovering from the devastating 2001 Bhuj earthquake, and many believed the state would struggle to rise again.

During his tenure as chief minister, which lasted until 2014, Modi was credited with driving economic reforms, infrastructure development, and large-scale industrial growth in Gujarat.

On May 26, 2014, he became India’s 14th Prime Minister after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a decisive victory in the Lok Sabha elections, marking a major shift in the country’s political landscape.

Pledge towards ‘Viksit Bharat’

Reaffirming his commitment to national development, Modi said he remains focused on building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

“To serve our beloved nation is the highest honour, a duty that fills me with gratitude and purpose. With the values of our Constitution as my constant guide, I will work even harder in the times to come to realise our collective dream of a Viksit Bharat,” he wrote.

Modi’s post drew widespread attention on social media, with several leaders and citizens extending greetings and recalling Gujarat’s transformation under his leadership.