Two Prime Ministers, Two Ideologies: Modiji’s Festivals of Service vs. Gandhi Family’s Privilege
- MGMMTeam
- 17 hours ago
- 5 min read
When Leadership Reflects Character
In October 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali aboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier. The moment was both symbolic and emotional — a leader spending the festival of lights not in the comfort of his residence, but amidst the men and women who safeguard the nation at sea. Modiji shared sweets, interacted with Navy personnel, watched airpower demonstrations, and praised the crew’s spirit of service and discipline.
He addressed the sailors, saying that India’s strength and self-reliance are embodied in the mighty Vikrant — a warship designed, built, and operated by Indians. For Modiji, it wasn’t just a Diwali celebration; it was a message to every Indian — that those who defend the country are family, and their sacrifices illuminate the true spirit of the festival.
This has become a defining feature of Modiji’s leadership — he doesn’t just speak about nationalism, he lives it. Every Diwali since 2014 has been spent with India’s armed forces, in terrains ranging from frozen glaciers to desert outposts. In an age where many leaders have treated festivals as photo opportunities, Modiji’s visits reflect empathy, gratitude, and deep emotional connection with the uniformed men and women of India.
Modiji’s Tradition: Festivals at the Frontlines
Since taking office, Modiji has turned every Diwali into a moment of solidarity with the armed forces. His journey through the years tells a story of devotion beyond politics:
2014 – Siachen Glacier, Jammu & Kashmir: Modiji’s first Diwali as Prime Minister was spent with soldiers stationed at the world’s highest battlefield. He said he wanted to “share the festival of lights with those who protect the light of our nation.”
2015 – Punjab Border (Dograi): He met BSF jawans, thanking them for defending India’s sovereignty.
2016 – Himachal Pradesh: Modiji visited Kinnaur and Lahaul–Spiti, lighting lamps with soldiers posted at remote mountain posts.
2017 – Gurez Sector, J&K: In freezing conditions, he met troops and praised their unmatched courage.
2018 – Harsil, Uttarakhand: He celebrated Diwali with ITBP and Army soldiers before heading to Kedarnath to offer prayers.
2019 – Rajouri, J&K: He told soldiers, “Your sacrifices light up the lives of 130 crore Indians.”
2020 – Longewala, Rajasthan: Amid the pandemic, he chose to spend Diwali on the India-Pakistan border.
2021 – Nowshera, J&K: He interacted with Army personnel guarding the LoC.
2022 – Arunachal Pradesh: Modiji visited forward areas near the China border, sharing sweets and blessings.
2023 – Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh: Close to the China frontier, he said, “For me, the place where jawans are posted is no less than a temple.”
2024 – Kutch, Gujarat: Modiji visited a BSF post in the Sir Creek region near the Pakistan border, meeting Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel.
2025 – INS Vikrant, Goa–Karwar: He marked Diwali with the Indian Navy aboard the pride of India’s maritime might.
Each visit carried a message — that national festivals are not confined to homes and temples, but extend to every border post, submarine, and bunker where India’s defenders stand guard.
Rajiv Gandhi’s Vacation on INS Viraat: Power Turned Privilege
In sharp contrast, an infamous episode from the 1980s continues to cast a long shadow over the Nehru–Gandhi dynasty’s political legacy. In January 1988, India Today published a detailed report titled “Idyllic Vacation for the Gandhis in the Lakshadweep Archipelago.” The piece described how then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, his family, and close friends — including foreign guests — enjoyed a week-long private holiday in the scenic Lakshadweep islands.
What shocked the nation wasn’t the vacation itself, but the manner in which it was conducted. Reports stated that the Indian Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, INS Viraat, was used to transport and host the Gandhis during this personal trip. Entire naval assets, including ships and personnel, were allegedly deployed to ensure their comfort and security — a blatant misuse of state machinery meant for national defense.
For millions of Indians, the episode symbolized a deeper problem — how the ruling elite treated public resources as personal property. Naval officers were repurposed as hosts and attendants, while the warship, meant to deter adversaries, was reduced to a luxury yacht. Even decades later, the controversy remains a telling reminder of how power without humility often breeds arrogance.
Modiji’s Message vs. Gandhi’s Misuse
The difference between these two leaders couldn’t be more striking. Rajiv Gandhi’s Lakshadweep episode epitomized a time when political families operated above the nation — where authority meant privilege, and government assets were extensions of personal life. Narendra Modi, on the other hand, has shown that leadership means being one with the people, especially those who defend the nation’s honor.
Every Diwali spent on the frontlines, every meal shared with jawans, and every gesture of gratitude from Modiji carries a symbolic reversal of that elitism. His message is simple yet profound — national duty comes before personal comfort.
While the Gandhis sought distance from the ground reality, Modiji has sought proximity to it. He finds his Diwali not in palaces but in bunkers; not in luxury, but in loyalty.
A Symbol of Two Indias
In essence, these contrasting images define two Indias:
One, where power was inherited, insulated, and misused.
The other, where power is earned, shared, and dedicated to service.
As Modiji lights lamps with the Navy on INS Vikrant, the symbolism is powerful — the same platform once associated with elite privilege is now a stage for national pride. It’s a reminder that the true essence of leadership lies not in how much one commands, but how humbly one serves.
The MGMM Outlook
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent tradition of celebrating Diwali with India’s armed forces reflects a leadership rooted in humility, nationalism, and emotional connection with the protectors of the nation. From the icy heights of Siachen to the vast seas aboard INS Vikrant, Modiji has turned each festival into a tribute to service and sacrifice. His actions go beyond symbolism — they reinforce the message that India’s real strength lies not in power or luxury, but in unity, discipline, and respect for those who defend its borders. Every visit, every shared sweet, and every blessing is a testament to his belief that patriotism must be lived, not merely spoken.
In contrast, the Gandhi family’s use of INS Viraat for a private vacation stands as a stark reminder of an era defined by privilege and disconnect from the ground reality. Where Rajiv Gandhi’s time in power represented entitlement, Modiji’s approach embodies service. The same naval platform once misused for personal leisure now shines as a symbol of national pride. This transformation captures two Indias — one of inherited authority and one of earned respect. Modiji’s leadership shows that festivals are not about opulence but about honoring duty, proving that true power comes from humility and devotion to the nation.
(Sources: India TV News, India Today, NDTV)
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