A new playbook for holding public office | Hindustan Times

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As the Prime Minister turns 75, Chhattisgarh too completes 25 years of its formation, creating a moment of shared reflection. (HT Photo)

A new playbook for holding public office

Prime Minister Modi, at 75, symbolizes India's transformation. His leadership has driven national development, economic reforms, and global recognition, with Chhattisgarh exemplifying progress through infrastructure, education, healthcare, and technological advancements towards the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

At the core of PM Modi’s personality is the pracharak’s urge to keep India First always and never family or personal interest (DPR PMO/ANI)

Modi@75: From pracharak to Prime Minister, a life in politics and public service

Narendra Modi's journey from RSS pracharak to Prime Minister embodies service, discipline, and national transformation. At 75, he's championed good governance, technological innovation, women's empowerment, and lifted millions from poverty, redefining Indian politics through performance over dynasty.

As India’s first PM to be born after Independence, and the only one in six decades to win three consecutive national elections, his tenure has been nothing short of a trailblazer. (PMO via PTI)

September 17, and the building of a new India

September 17 marks significant events: Lord Vishwakarma's birth, Hyderabad's liberation in 1948, and PM Modi's birthday. The date symbolizes India's architectural, cultural, and political transformation, highlighting artisan skills, national integration, and development aspirations.

India’s transition from fossil fuel to cleaner energy sources could lead to a loss of revenue in the long run. (HT Archive)

Use higher GST on coal to drive climate action

India can leverage the increased GST on coal to fund climate action, supporting green technology in hard-to-abate sectors, renewable grid expansion, and emissions reduction, while creating a win-win solution for climate, economy, and industry.

For an Indian with public responsibilities, crossing the average life expectancy at birth and reaching the diamond jubilee of 75 years, must lead to introspection, atma vichara , and to unadvertised acts of self-abnegation. (@NarendraModi via PTI)

An age for introspection, reflection and gratitude

At 75, leaders like Modi reflect on life's journey, appreciating longevity beyond average life expectancy. The milestone invites introspection, gratitude, and commitment to public welfare, drawing inspiration from historical figures who served India passionately.

The Rai case is not only about protecting endorsement contracts. It is about reclaiming dignity and autonomy in an age where technology makes it easy to strip both away. (GettyImages)

Why personality rights need legislative protection

Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's court case highlights the need for personality rights legislation, challenging unauthorized use of celebrity images, particularly women's, and addressing issues of digital identity theft, consent, and dignity in the age of AI.

New Delhi must calm its nerves in the face of provocations from DC, however unjustified they may be, since this is not only about India. (PTI)

India can’t wait for a post-Trump America

India and the US face strained relations under Trump, with divergent perspectives on their strategic partnership. New Delhi seeks engagement, while Washington demands more tangible benefits. Both sides must navigate carefully to prevent long-term diplomatic damage, balancing national interests and potential collaboration.

Nineteen school and college kids were killed in a police crackdown ordered by Oli and then home minister Ramesh Lekhak last Monday. (PTI)

Nepal’s uncertain course after the Gen Z protests

Gen Z protesters in Nepal triggered a political upheaval, forcing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's resignation after a brutal police crackdown killed 19 students. The youth-led revolution exposed systemic corruption and challenged established political parties, creating uncertainty about future governance.

Counting sleep

Mind the Gap: Why Indian women sleep less than men

Indian women sleep 30 minutes less than men due to household responsibilities, childcare, and work demands. Analysis of government data reveals young women get less than eight hours of sleep, with caregiving and multitasking contributing to chronic sleep deprivation.

Anekantwad encourages us to listen with curiosity, not with a rebuttal prepared in advance. This is a crucial skill for negotiating in high-stakes, multi-stakeholder environments. (Shutterstock)

Thoughtful judgement in the age of outrage

In an era of instant reactions, leaders must resist the urge to quickly comment on complex issues. Drawing from Indian philosophical traditions, the article advocates for thoughtful, nuanced responses, emphasizing strategic silence, disciplined thinking, and the importance of understanding multiple perspectives before speaking.

The urban connectivity story is being rewritten. NCR’s choked peripheries are being decongested by the Urban Extension Road II. (PTI)

There’s a new urban India in the making

India's urban landscape is transforming under Modi's leadership, with massive infrastructure investments, metro expansion, digital connectivity, and inclusive policies. Cities are becoming engines of growth, modernizing transportation, housing, and energy systems, reflecting national ambition and progress.

A new economic order is in the works, and the Prime Minister wants India’s strong presence in the emerging new global system (DPR PMO/ANI Photo)

The rise of a leader and his enduring popularity

Narendra Modi, turning 75, has transformed politics into a social movement, addressing complex issues like infrastructure, women empowerment, and national unity. His leadership style focuses on public welfare, challenging bureaucracy, and maintaining a principled approach in domestic and international affairs.

I will go back to re-reading the Arundhati Roy’s novel The God of Small Things , and I will read her political essays.

Book Box | On not writing about ‘Mother Mary Comes to Me’

Arundhati Roy's memoir "Mother Mary Comes to Me" explores a complex mother-daughter relationship, resonating deeply with the author's personal experiences. Unable to review it objectively, she recommends the book as a powerful, intimate narrative about love, rejection, and storytelling.

The Ronald McDonald House in Pennsylvania is a testimonial to a kind of giving that works towards building dignity and not robbing the receiver of it. (Nishtha Gautam)

Is charity the opium of the privileged?

A personal account explores the nature of charity, critiquing performative giving while praising the Ronald McDonald House for providing dignified support to families with hospitalized children, emphasizing the importance of preserving recipients' self-respect and humanity.

A smartphone is like a screwdriver now. It’s done. Anything more is an overkill. (REUTERS)

Is the smartphone, as we know it, set to disappear?

Smartphones may have peaked, with incremental upgrades failing to impress markets. Like horse-drawn transportation's decline, phones are becoming mundane tools. Future technology might involve wearable, thought-controlled devices, but for now, smartphone iterations will continue.

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