Gujarat: PM Modi salutes back at child during Bhavnagar roadshow | Video
Amid the lively roadshow from the airport to Gandhi Maidan, a touching scene unfolded when a young boy saluted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister acknowledged the gesture by returning the salute, turning the brief exchange into a powerful symbol of respect and the close bond between leader and citizens.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bhavnagar, Gujarat, on Saturday turned into a memorable event, not just for its political significance but also for a heartwarming gesture that resonated with people across the country. During a roadshow that stretched from the airport to Gandhi Maidan, a young boy in the crowd saluted the Prime Minister. Modi, noticing the child, paused and returned the salute, creating a moment that quickly became symbolic of the bond between citizens and leadership.
The roadshow was marked by festive celebrations, with thousands of people gathering along the one-kilometre stretch to greet the Prime Minister. The atmosphere brimmed with energy as cultural performances and dance troupes brought colour to the streets. Banners and posters highlighted India’s achievements, including the success of Operation Sindoor and the implementation of GST reforms, while also expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for his leadership.
Push for self-reliance
After the roadshow, the PM addressed a public gathering where he inaugurated and laid the foundation of development projects worth Rs 34,200 crore. In his speech, he underlined the urgency of making India self-reliant. "India’s biggest enemy is dependency on other nations. The only solution to our problems is to be self-reliant,” he said, urging the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing, whether in semiconductors or shipbuilding.
The Prime Minister also reflected on how past policies such as the License Raj had weakened industries, citing the decline of India’s once robust shipbuilding sector, which has fallen to just 5 per cent of the country’s trade from 40 per cent earlier. Stressing that innovation and strong infrastructure are key to future growth, PM Modi envisioned India as a nation that leads globally through resilience and self-sufficiency.
The day in Bhavnagar captured both celebration and vision — progress marked by large-scale projects and a touching reminder of the people’s connection with their leader.