Shashi Tharoor Praises PM Modi’s Vision: India Emerges as a Global Model

In an unexpected yet remarkable display of cross-party acknowledgement, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor recently praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for articulating a compelling vision of India’s future. The remarks came after Modiji’s sixth Ramnath Goenka Lecture, where the Prime Minister presented a forward-looking narrative that Tharoor described as bold, culturally rooted, and transformative. Tharoor’s praise highlights a rare moment of admiration that transcends conventional political divides.

Shashi Tharoor praises PM Modi once again | India Today

From Emerging Market to Emerging Model

Central to Tharoor’s response was Modiji’s framing of India as no longer just an “emerging market” but as an “emerging model” for the world. This phrase reflects more than just economic potential; it signifies India’s growing influence and strategic relevance on the global stage. According to Tharoor, this shift signals a holistic transformation, suggesting that India’s development trajectory is guided not only by GDP growth but also by values, heritage, and cultural confidence.

Constructive Impatience and Emotional Leadership

Tharoor emphasized Modiji’s concept of “constructive impatience” — a passionate drive to accelerate progress while maintaining deliberation and purpose. The Prime Minister rejected the notion of being constantly in “election mode,” asserting that his motivation stems from an emotional commitment to addressing the people’s needs. Tharoor found this approach both inspiring and practical, highlighting how it underscores the human element in governance alongside economic strategy.

A Cultural Call to Action

Another aspect that captured Tharoor’s attention was Modiji’s focus on cultural rejuvenation. The Prime Minister outlined a decade-long national mission to restore pride in India’s heritage, languages, and knowledge systems. For Tharoor, this is not merely symbolic rhetoric; it represents a deeply significant cultural agenda that complements India’s economic ambitions. He observed that aligning cultural revival with development creates a uniquely Indian model of progress, integrating tradition with modernity.

Overcoming the Colonial Legacy

Tharoor also noted Modiji’s emphasis on rejecting the colonial-era “slave mentality,” a mindset that historically undervalued Indian capabilities and achievements. By urging the nation to move beyond lingering colonial influences, Modiji encourages a renewed sense of self-confidence and agency among Indians. Tharoor recognized this as a critical step in shaping India’s identity on the world stage and cultivating a generation of leaders and citizens with both historical awareness and future-oriented vision.

Political and Symbolic Significance

Tharoor’s praise carries both political and symbolic weight. Within Congress, such admiration for a political rival is rare, signaling a willingness to acknowledge merit beyond party lines. Moreover, it reflects a recognition that India’s rise is multidimensional — encompassing economic, cultural, and emotional leadership. Tharoor’s comments suggest that he views Modiji’s vision as a blueprint for national progress, one that could redefine the narrative of India’s place in the world.

The MGMM Outlook

Shashi Tharoor’s unexpected praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the sixth Ramnath Goenka Lecture marks a rare instance of cross-party recognition in Indian politics. Tharoor highlighted Modiji’s vision of India not merely as an “emerging market” but as an “emerging model,” emphasizing a development path rooted in cultural confidence, heritage, and values. He noted the Prime Minister’s concept of “constructive impatience,” reflecting a drive to accelerate progress with both deliberation and purpose, and praised the focus on emotional leadership that prioritizes the people’s needs over mere political calculations.

Tharoor also drew attention to Modiji’s commitment to cultural rejuvenation, framing it as a crucial complement to India’s economic ambitions. By advocating a rejection of colonial-era mindsets and fostering national self-confidence, Modiji’s vision seeks to cultivate a new generation of leaders and citizens aware of India’s historical strengths while oriented toward global relevance. Tharoor’s remarks signal recognition that India’s rise is multidimensional, integrating economic growth, cultural revival, and visionary leadership to establish a uniquely Indian model of progress.

(Sources: India TV News, India Today, LiveMint)