US, Oct. 6 -- October 7 marks an extraordinary milestone in the public life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Twenty-five years ago, on October 7, 2001, he took oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat. What began that day has become one of the most remarkable journeys in contemporary Indian public life - first leading Gujarat and, since 2014, serving as Prime Minister of India.

To me, one word best describes these 25 years: SEWA-SERVICE. Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly described himself not as a ruler but as a Pradhan Sevak, a servant of the people. Whatever one's political persuasion, the extraordinary energy with which he has pursued public life is difficult to ignore. His work ethic, discipline and ability to connect public policy with t...