Britain's snowfall contrasts with the festive celebrations at Ambaji in Gujarat, where devotees honour Goddess Ambe Mata and pray for well-being. Life moves forward, marked by traditions like New Year’s resolutions; I remain dedicated to advancing knowledge and supporting the community, thanks to readers’ ongoing encouragement.
Time keeps moving, and change follows shifting circumstances. After major political change in Japan, Sanae Takaichi became the country’s first female Prime Minister, known for her firm leadership despite her gentle appearance. In Bangladesh, atrocities against Hindus have reportedly increased, triggering criticism of Muhammad Yunus and renewed questions over his Nobel Peace Prize, amid accusations that he has failed, as Chief Advisor of the interim government, to curb violence and human rights abuses against Hindu communities
(see p1).
With elections on the horizon, political tensions are running high, and many seem intent on deepening unrest. Nepal’s short-term political strategies have resulted in closer ties with China, while Sri Lanka is working to break away from Chinese influence and concentrate on development efforts based on lessons learned from its past. In Pakistan, its longstanding struggle for foreign aid remains unresolved, and current policies offer little optimism for change in the coming year.
Meanwhile, hostilities persist between Russia and Ukraine in an ongoing conflict, while Saudi Arabia has conducted airstrikes in southern Yemen as part of operations against ISIS militants.
But America, as a superpower, with its President Donald Trump have drawn much attention. Once primarily focused on business, Trump transitioned to the presidency and has made global waves with his policies on tariffs and immigration. Beyond these actions, Trump has taken steps against Venezuela's President Maduro and his wife, reportedly removing them from their palace at midnight to bring them to the US for drug trafficking charges. In contrast, China continues to pursue greater influence throughout Asia by employing both pressure and diplomatic strategies. Although China presents itself as a global superpower, conversations about the vulnerability of its economy are rare.
In the United Kingdom, the current Starmer administration has yet to implement significant policy changes. Efforts to provide support for those affected by rising inflation have not been introduced, while recent fiscal measures have included increased taxation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced challenges in executing independent policy decisions and ensuring their implementation, which has contributed to limited economic progress.
Even as the world faces political, economic and military turbulence, India continues to move forward steadily on the path of economic and overall development. As I write these lines, my heart swells with pride as an Indian. A closer look at global trends clearly highlights India’s strong and balanced position. Over the past eleven years, the country has made remarkable progress.
Be it economic growth predicting it to be the 4th largest economy (see p1 and 3), technological advancement, strengthening of defence capabilities or infrastructure development, India has taken confident strides under the guiding vision of ‘Make in India’, earning recognition across the world. Much of the credit for this extraordinary transformation goes to the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This native of Gujarat has raised India’s profile internationally to such a degree that the country’s development is impossible to overlook. Among Indians, particularly the youth and women, there is now a noticeable wave of enthusiasm, energy, and self-assurance. Exceptional results follow when capable leadership is driven by clear vision and strategic planning, as India demonstrates.
Consider the matter of American tariffs: when President Trump introduced high tariffs to pressure India, the Modi government responded with composure and determination. Through expanding export markets and forming Free Trade Agreements with other countries including the UK, India successfully countered these actions without resorting to concessions or acting out of fear.
In comparison, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has focused on fostering relations with Washington, including organising a visit by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince to the United States. At the same time, India has demonstrated decisiveness in its foreign policy, responding firmly to China at Galwan and conducting ‘Operation Sindoor’ to maintain vigilance regarding Pakistan and its military activities.
Recipe to Modi’s success
I vividly recall how, back in 2001, it was unimaginable that Narendra Modi would be chosen as Chief Minister of Gujarat. He transitioned directly from his role as a Sangh Pracharak into active politics, immediately assuming the position of Chief Minister. At the time, many doubted his readiness, capabilities, and administrative expertise, yet he dispelled every scepticism. His unwavering commitment to hard work has become his guiding principle. Throughout his journey, from governing Gujarat to leading India as Prime Minister, it appears he hasn't taken a single day of rest.
During my frequent travels to India, I visited Gujarat and reached out to Narendra Modi’s office as the Chief Minister. I was quickly invited for morning tea, where our conversations often lasted between 30 to 45 minutes.
On one such occasion, I visited his office in Gandhinagar. I was warmly welcomed and we sat down. But what a meeting it turned out to be. While our conversation flowed naturally, his work carried on without pause. One file after another was placed before him; his eyes moved swiftly across the pages. Wherever required, he made a note, signed and set the file aside.
Noticing the pile of files, I casually remarked, “So many files?” He replied just as casually, “If the government has to release payments of over Rs. 3,00,000, (roughly 2500 GBP in today’s currency) it can only be done after my signature, that’s how the red tape gets cleared.” By the time my courtesy visit ended, a substantial number of files had already been disposed of.
As a Sangh Pracharak, Modi shared cordial relations with leaders across the state, but when it came to policy and principles, no personal relationship mattered. During that period, a minister was abruptly removed overnight. An inquiry revealed that the minister was collecting funds in the party’s name for personal gain. The decision was swift and its implementation even swifter.
On one occasion, during a formal conversation with a senior official associated with the Prime Minister’s Office, I casually asked, “What is Narendrabhai’s working style like?” In a single sentence, he answered a lot: “Sir, when you are with him, you forget the clock.”
The rightful spiritual son of
HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Many influential figures, from global leaders to spiritual guardians of Sanatan dharma, have recognised Prime Minister Modi’s exceptional insight, understanding, and forward-thinking vision. His tireless leadership is often seen as remarkable, displaying clarity and purpose that some attribute to a higher power. While it isn’t my place to say whether he possesses a special divine blessing, I do know that Modi deeply respected an extraordinary person whom he considered a father figure: His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj was that revered individual.
When Pramukh Swami Maharaj passed away on 13 August 2016, Prime Minister Modi went to Sarangpur to pay his final respects. Deeply moved, he expressed that losing Pramukh Swami Maharaj felt like losing a father, describing him as a guiding figure who offered strength during challenging times, and wondered aloud who he would now seek for such support. There was a steadfast and affectionate bond between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
While Modi was a prominent and experienced political leader, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a respected spiritual leader. Despite working in completely different spheres, both were connected by their unwavering commitment to serving the community. Both devoted themselves fully to their respective roles, which is well recognised. From leading at the state level to the national stage, whether as Chief Minister or Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has always approached his responsibilities with dedication and focus.
His guiding principle may well be described as “बहुजन हिताय बहुजन सुखाय- For the welfare of the many, for the happiness of the many.” In the same spirit, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, as a senior saint, left no stone unturned in fulfilling the sacred responsibilities associated with his role. Day and night, he remained actively engaged in the propagation and preservation of Sanatan Dharma, both in India and across the world.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj first visited London in 1970 in connection with the Islington Mandir and returned in 1973 and 1974. During these visits, I had the opportunity to spend time with him and what began as an acquaintance gradually developed into a close, almost familial relationship.
In 1974, Pramukh Swami Maharaj stayed near Hanger Lane in West London, accompanied by revered saints such as Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami and Pujya Viveksagar Swami. During Yogiji Bapa’s final days and even after his passing, certain issues and differences of opinion led some saints to move away from the main fold.
BAPS has continued its work in London in a calm and harmonious manner. Several saints stepped forward to shoulder the responsibility and the seed planted in London under the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj has today grown into a vast tree of faith and culture, in the form of the Neasden Swaminarayan Mandir.
Despite numerous honours and fragile health, Pramukh Swami Maharaj travelled tirelessly across India and overseas. He fulfilled his ‘Pramukh’ responsibility of spreading Indian dharma and tradition. Under his leadership, more than 1,000 BAPS temples were built between 1974 and 1998.
A temple is not merely a place of worship. In my view, our temples are custodians of Sanatan Hindu tradition and our priceless heritage of values. On 7 December, we marked the 75th anniversary of Pujya Bapa assuming the leadership of BAPS. On this occasion, BAPS honoured his life’s work and unforgettable contribution through the Pramukh Varni Amrut Mahotsav.
Just as Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj devoted his life to the service of society through BAPS, his spiritual son, PM Narendra Modi, continues to serve the nation with the same commitment and tireless dedication towards India’s resurgence and upliftment. One might say that PM Modi truly lives by the philosophy of his mentor, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who believed: our own well-being is found in the welfare of others, and our happiness is rooted in making others happy.
