On this special day, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 75, I am reminded of my personal interaction with him on August 6, 2021. Amit Bagaria and I had co-authored a book titled Modi Stole My Mask, and it was in this context that we had the privilege of meeting him. What struck me that day was not just his sharp intellect, but his conviction and optimism even in the face of immense challenges.
There are some moments in life that remain etched in your heart forever. For me, August 6, 2021, was one such moment. It was the day I met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the very first time.
The atmosphere carried the weight of history and the aura of power, yet what struck me most was neither. It was a sentence—simple, human, and profoundly humbling. Modi ji looked at me, smiled, and said: “I want to take a picture with my friend from Goa.”
Those words, spoken by the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy, were more than a personal compliment. They were a recognition of friendship, of connection, and of Goa itself. That moment is not just a memory—it is a milestone in my journey as a journalist, commentator, and now, a political thought leader.
What defines a leader? Power? Position? Authority? For me, true leadership is about how you make people feel. In that instant, Modi ji reminded me that greatness is not about standing apart from people but about standing with them. By calling me his “friend from Goa” and insisting on a picture together, he erased the distance that power often creates between leaders and ordinary citizens.
I was not meeting just the Prime Minister. I was meeting a man who values human connection, who remembers people, and who sees individuals not as statistics but as contributors to India’s larger story. That is a rare quality in politics.
Goa, my beloved home, is often spoken of in narrow terms—its beaches, its nightlife, its tourism. But we Goans know that we are much more than the stereotypes. We are a people with resilience, dignity, and aspirations that deserve national attention.
When Modi ji said he wanted a picture with his “friend from Goa,” I felt he was acknowledging not just me but every Goan who longs to be heard in the larger Indian narrative. It was his way of telling us: Goa matters. You matter.
On August 6, 2021, I came face to face with Narendra Modi the man, not just Narendra Modi the Prime Minister.
He was attentive, warm, and engaging. He did not hide behind protocol or formalities. Instead, he disarmed me with his humility. There was no sense of superiority, no performance for the cameras. His words were spontaneous, his gesture genuine.
When he expressed his wish to take a photograph with me, I felt something deeper. I felt seen. I felt that in his eyes, friendship was not defined by titles or positions, but by authenticity. That is perhaps why millions across India continue to feel connected to him—because he sees them as people first.
The timing of that meeting was significant. In August 2021, India was emerging from the devastating second wave of COVID-19. Our people were hurting, our economy was struggling, and the nation was in need of healing and hope.
What struck me during our interaction was his conviction. Modi ji spoke of resilience, rebuilding, and Atmanirbhar Bharat—not as a mere slogan, but as an urgent national necessity. What impressed me most was his refusal to dwell on despair. He chose instead to emphasize solutions, opportunities, and the promise of the future. That unwavering optimism, even in the face of adversity, is what defines him as a leader of destiny, inspiring millions across India.
When we stood together for that photograph, I felt the weight of history and the lightness of friendship simultaneously. On the surface, it was just a picture. But for me, it symbolized a bridge—between Goa and Delhi, between a journalist and a Prime Minister, between individual aspirations and national vision.
In years to come, people may forget the words exchanged that day. But that photograph will remain a testament to a bond of respect and recognition. It is a reminder that in India’s story, friendships too can shape history.
August 6, 2021, was not just a meeting. It was a turning point. It reinforced my conviction that politics cannot be viewed only from the sidelines. It is not enough to analyze and critique. One must engage, contribute, and shape the narrative.
That day deepened my resolve to ensure Goa’s and India’s voice is heard, to speak up for ordinary Indians, and to advocate for a future where technology, innovation, and education transform lives. It also reminded me that humility and authenticity are the true markers of leadership—lessons I carry with me every day.
In the years that followed that encounter, India has continued its remarkable rise. We have become the fastest-growing major economy, hosted the G20 Summit with global acclaim, and positioned ourselves as the voice of the Global South.
Modi’s vision has been disruptive, often controversial, but always transformative. From digital infrastructure to renewable energy, from healthcare reforms to space exploration, he has shown that India cannot afford to stand still.
For me, that picture on August 6 was not just a personal memory—it was a window into the conviction of a man who refuses to let India stand still.
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I want to take a picture with my friend from Goa,” on August 6, 2021, it was more than a lighthearted moment. It was a profound reminder that politics is about people, that leadership is about connection, and that recognition—when genuine—can transform not just an individual but an entire community.
That day will forever remain etched in my memory—not because I stood next to the Prime Minister, but because the Prime Minister chose to stand next to me, as a friend.
And that is the essence of true leadership: to elevate, to connect, and to remind us all that in India’s vast story, every voice matters.
As he celebrates his 75th birthday, I extend my heartfelt wishes to him. May his journey of service to the nation continue with the same vigour, vision, and humility. Modi is not just the Prime Minister of India—he is a leader of destiny, inspiring millions, including me, to believe in India’s rise. His unwavering faith in the strength of ordinary Indians, his ability to connect across regions and communities, and his courage to take bold decisions even in uncertain times make him a transformative figure in our history. On this milestone birthday, I wish him health, wisdom, and continued strength to guide India toward the greatness he so passionately envisions.
