India in the Modi era: From Nehruvian shadows to civilisational confidence

Narendra Modi is now India’s longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister since Independence. He was first elected in 2014 and, currently in his third term, will continue until 2029.

This achievement has coincided with strong economic growth, rising global recognition and a forward-looking vision for India. It reflects Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to building a new India rooted in the enduring spirit of Bharat, awakening national dharma to guide both the nation and humanity into the future.

India’s Transformation

PM Modi’s tenure has ended the dominance of the Nehru dynasty and its post-Independence policies, which, despite decades in power, failed to restore India’s prosperity or fully reconnect the country with its civilisational heritage. Under him, the country has achieved significant economic progress, enhanced its international standing and expanded its influence across diplomatic, ecological, cultural and spiritual spheres.

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Under his leadership, a new India is emerging — not as a shadow of colonial rule, but as a civilisation rediscovering its cultural confidence and historical greatness. The country is experiencing an economic, cultural and civilisational renaissance rooted in its dharmic traditions.

We must remember that India is one of the world’s oldest and most influential civilisations, a cradle of self-realisation and spiritual knowledge. Under PM Modi, this eternal India is rising with renewed energy and purpose, shedding colonial-era limitations and sharing its dharmic and yogic heritage with the world. Rather than being viewed as a nation shaped by foreign influences, it is re-emerging as a global leader. New India is a departure from the Nehruvian model, which was an extension of colonial frameworks influenced by socialist and Marxist interpretations of history.

Reviving Dharmic Traditions

PM Modi has actively supported the preservation and revitalisation of India’s ancient dharmic traditions, their temples and their teachings. India’s Vedic, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh traditions have profoundly influenced Asia and beyond, shaping cultures across Central, East and South-East Asia, while also leaving an imprint on Europe, West Asia and the wider world.

The roots of Indian civilisation can be traced to ancient urban sites such as Bhirrana, now archaeologically dated to more than 8,000 years ago, along the banks of the Saraswati river, which had maritime trade and communication. India’s civilisational influence expanded globally in modern times through figures such as Swami Vivekananda, whose historic address in 1893 introduced Yoga and Vedanta to the West as pathways to higher consciousness, peace and universal understanding.

In this regard, Prime Minister Modi appears as a political counterpart to Swami Vivekananda, carrying forward his vision of cultural confidence and civilisational renewal. His successful initiative to establish International Yoga Day at the United Nations in 2015 reflects this vision.

PM Modi’s emphasis on Sanatana Dharma, India’s civilisational heritage and cultural symbols such as the Ram Mandir has resonated with many Indians while also drawing international attention to India’s spiritual traditions. Here, it needs to be emphasised that the restoration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has become a central symbol of this cultural resurgence. PM Modi personally associated himself with the project and its consecration.

New India and the World

The revival of Indian consciousness predates Independence and was advanced by thinkers such as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Rama Tirtha, Lokmanya Tilak, Sri Aurobindo and others. Prime Minister Modi is taking forward this tradition and legacy. He has honoured national figures such as Sri Aurobindo and Subhas Chandra Bose, while promoting a renewed appreciation of Indian culture.

PM Modi represents a vision of India rooted in cultural confidence, economic development, intellectual independence and national strength. When he first assumed office in 2014, critics warned that his leadership would isolate India internationally and hinder development. Instead, the country has seen rapid economic growth, infrastructure expansion, poverty reduction and increased global influence, providing evidence of a different outcome. Today, India is among the world’s fastest-growing major economies and has significantly expanded its infrastructure and global presence.

On the diplomatic front, PM Modi has positioned India among the world’s most respected and influential nations. His leadership has strengthened India’s engagement across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. He combines political vision with a broader spiritual outlook rooted in India’s concept of the world as one family and all beings as manifestations of the same universal self (Paramatman). Through this vision, PM Modi has presented India not merely as an emerging economic power, but as a civilisation with a message of unity, wisdom and global co-operation.

Today, Narendra Modi stands not only among India’s most influential Prime Ministers but also as one of the most consequential world leaders. His legacy will be measured not only by political achievements but also by his role in the reawakening of the country and in placing it firmly among the comity of global powers.

(The writer is the director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies and the author of more than 30 books on yoga and Vedic traditions. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.)