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By:

Devendra Fadnavis

9 June 2026 at 5:42:34 pm

Trust, Development and India’s Rise

The story of India’s rise in the last decade has been marked by economic reform, infrastructure expansion and renewed national confidence When a public journey completes twelve years, it is often seen as a significant milestone marked by perseverance, dedication and an unwavering commitment to a larger goal. Therefore, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes twelve years of leadership, this period must be assessed through the lens of sustained effort, transformative governance and...

Trust, Development and India’s Rise

The story of India’s rise in the last decade has been marked by economic reform, infrastructure expansion and renewed national confidence When a public journey completes twelve years, it is often seen as a significant milestone marked by perseverance, dedication and an unwavering commitment to a larger goal. Therefore, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes twelve years of leadership, this period must be assessed through the lens of sustained effort, transformative governance and measurable outcomes. Viewed from this perspective, these years represent a remarkable era of service, commitment and good governance. Every enduring journey has two dimensions. When it is undertaken for the welfare of society, its benefits ultimately reach society itself and positively impact diverse sections of the population. The outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s efforts are visible in the unprecedented transformation witnessed in the lives of ordinary citizens. From 2014 to 2026, his twelve-year tenure has emerged as a defining phase in India's contemporary history. It has not merely been a period of political leadership, but a unique confluence of trust, development, good governance, cultural resurgence and public welfare. Global Leader Today marks another significant milestone. As an elected Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has completed 4,399 consecutive days in office, surpassing the record set by Jawaharlal Nehru. Some may argue that comparisons between Nehru and Modi are inappropriate. However, when Nehru assumed office, there was a widespread perception that he had no political alternative. By contrast, when Modi became Prime Minister, Indian democracy had matured considerably. Citizens understood both the power and significance of their vote. They were aware of their aspirations and expectations, and recognised that governments exist to serve public welfare. It was under these circumstances that Modi assumed office in 2014. The electorate entrusted him with responsibilities that successive Congress governments had failed to fulfil over five decades. Accepting that challenge, he articulated the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” which later evolved into “Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.” After securing victories in 2014, 2019 and 2024, he today stands at the forefront of India’s emergence as a global leader. The mandate of 2024, following the decisive verdicts of 2014 and 2019, was not merely an electoral victory. It represented a renewed endorsement of development, good governance and stable leadership. Modi became the first leader since 1962 to serve a third consecutive term as Prime Minister. At a time when many democracies across the world are grappling with political instability, India chose continuity, stability and decisive governance. Over the past decade, the country has strengthened its position through economic reforms, social transformation, infrastructure development, national security and an assertive foreign policy. The more than twenty-four highest civilian honours conferred upon him by nations around the world reflect this growing global recognition. This has not been the journey of a single leader alone; it has been a collective national endeavour. As a result, India’s economy has expanded from approximately $2 trillion to $4.18 trillion, making it the world’s fourth-largest economy. Economic prosperity is indispensable for achieving social justice. Modi not only recognised this reality but also worked consistently to realise it. Initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat instilled confidence among Indians and enhanced global trust in Indian products. Today, demand for indigenous defence equipment has risen so sharply that projected production for the next decade may struggle to meet requirements. This reflects the true strength of a self-reliant India. Historic Achievements One of the government’s historic achievements has been the substantial reduction of Left-Wing Extremism across twelve affected states. Regions that remained untouched by development for decades are now witnessing tangible progress. Nearly 20 crore people had long lived under the shadow of fear and deprivation. Naxalism stalled development and adversely affected thousands of young lives. Today, the situation is changing. Industrial projects, including steel plants, are being established in areas such as Gadchiroli. Universities, medical colleges and major educational institutions are being set up. The voice of development is gradually replacing the sound of conflict. Over the last twelve years, India has witnessed unprecedented growth in infrastructure development. The national highway network has expanded from approximately 91,000 kilometres to nearly 1.46 lakh kilometres. Highways are being constructed at an average pace of 34 kilometres per day. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, millions of kilometres of rural roads have transformed the lives of farmers, students and rural communities. Railway electrification has accelerated significantly, while initiatives such as Vande Bharat Express and the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme have redefined the image of Indian Railways. The country’s metro network has grown from 248 kilometres to more than 1,095 kilometres. The Modi government has placed the farmer at the centre of the development agenda. Through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, direct financial assistance has been extended to more than 11 crore farmers. Significantly, the first file cleared during the government’s third term pertained to farmer welfare, underscoring this priority. Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, the “Per Drop More Crop” initiative has brought millions of hectares under micro-irrigation. Agricultural output has reached record levels, and India has emerged as the world’s largest producer of milk. Through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, free food grains have been provided to 81 crore citizens. More than four crore families have received permanent homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The Ujjwala scheme has enabled over eleven crore women to access LPG connections. Under Ayushman Bharat, millions of citizens have benefited from free health insurance coverage. The Jal Jeevan Mission has ensured access to clean drinking water for more than sixteen crore households. Women’s empowerment has occupied a central place in government policy. Women account for a significant share of Jan Dhan account holders. The Lakhpati Didi initiative has helped millions of women achieve greater economic independence. Programmes such as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, maternity benefits, the strengthening of self-help groups and the growing participation of women in the armed forces have advanced the vision of women-led development. Digital Transformation India has also scripted a new chapter in digital transformation. Through the JAM trinity—Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile—lakhs of crores of rupees have been transferred directly to beneficiaries. India has emerged as a global leader in UPI transactions. BharatNet has connected lakhs of gram panchayats through optical fibre networks. Digital governance, faceless taxation and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) have enhanced transparency and efficiency in public administration. India today engages with the world on the basis of equality and mutual respect. The nation seeks trade, investment and technology, but without compromising its dignity or self-respect. During the Russia–Ukraine conflict, India demonstrated its ability to pursue an independent foreign policy, placing national interests above external pressures. Today, India is the world’s fourth-largest economy. Initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have accelerated manufacturing growth. India has become the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Electronics production has increased manifold. Significant investments have been attracted for semiconductor manufacturing, and the country is rapidly positioning itself as a global manufacturing hub. Encouraged by policy support, India’s startup ecosystem has grown to more than two lakh startups and hundreds of unicorns. During these twelve years, India has also reaffirmed its cultural identity with renewed confidence. The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Mahakal Lok and the redevelopment of Kedarnath have infused new energy into the nation’s spiritual consciousness. Modi, who began his public life by paying homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has also advanced initiatives such as the Panchteerth dedicated to Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the observance of Birsa Munda Jayanti as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the Statue of Unity honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, commemorative initiatives for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Kartavya Path and the new Parliament building—each symbolising national pride and identity. Maharashtra has been among the principal beneficiaries of this development trajectory. Prime Minister Modi has extended support to the state in addressing its major developmental needs and challenges. From facilitating land for the Indu Mill Memorial to supporting projects such as the Amravati Textile Park, Vadhvan Port, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Samruddhi Mahamarg, Atal Setu, the Coastal Road and metro rail networks, his backing has been instrumental in advancing key infrastructure initiatives. Today, the world no longer views India merely as a large market. It increasingly recognises India as a reliable, responsible nation capable of contributing solutions to global challenges. India stands confidently on the world stage. These twelve years have laid a strong foundation for the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The journey of trust, development and people’s participation is poised to gather even greater momentum in the years ahead—a belief shared by millions of Indians. (The writer is the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.)

IFFI and the Expanding Meaning of Cinema

From AI experiments to restored classics, the 56th edition of IFFI has widened the frame of Indian cinema and hinted at where it is headed next.

Last month, on the sunlit banks of the Mandovi River, the western Indian state of Goa once again transformed into a brilliant mosaic of reels, voices and visions. From November 20 to 28, the 56th International Film Festival of India saw Panaji turned into a carnival of stories, with each frame a portal to distant lands, untold lives and uncharted ideas. For filmmakers, critics and cinephiles alike, the IFFI is akin to a yearly pilgrimage, a space where the imagination of India meets the imagination of the world during the eight days the festival lasts.


Hundreds of films from around the world, along with their creators, scholars, technicians, artists, and directors associated with various aspects of cinema, come together during this event. It provides an opportunity to interact with them, understand their perspectives, and exchange views on what is new in their regions, countries, cultures, languages, and societies, and how these aspects are reflected in their films.


While this year’s 56th edition of the IFFI was no different, it sowed the seeds of several new ideas and shed light on many emerging aspects of the film industry. It is important to understand what these were and how significant they may be for the future of Indian cinema.

For the past two or three years, AI has cast its spell across artistic and non-artistic fields. It has also posed serious challenges to many sectors. Recently, Hollywood writers even staged a symbolic strike demanding restrictions on the use of AI. During the same period, several painters and graphic artists expressed their opposition to AI on social media using the “No AI” tag. At present, many Hollywood films prominently display in their credits the statement, “This film does not use AI.”


In parallel, musicians and composers have debated the role of AI in generating scores, recalling earlier controversies over synthesizers and digital editing, which were once feared to replace human skill but ultimately expanded the boundaries of musical expression.


Against this backdrop, IFFI, instead of simply opposing AI, created a space for constructive discussion on how this new technology could benefit the film industry and enrich the art form. The festival director, renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, conducted two interview-style masterclasses on the subject, demonstrating how AI could be used in positive ways. He is currently producing an AI-based film, a glimpse of which was showcased at IFFI.


Special Hackathon

Additionally, for the first time, IFFI organized a special hackathon for AI-generated short films, an AI film festival, and a competition to create an AI short film within 48 hours. Several of the short films presented at this hackathon explored imaginative storytelling techniques, showcasing how technology can expand cinematic possibilities. These initiatives clearly positioned AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. Given this approach, it would not be surprising if the number of AI-generated short films at IFFI increases in the coming years.


In recent years, the number of women directors has increased significantly in India and across the world. Women have long been prominent in short films and documentary cinema, but they are now also directing full-length feature films with confidence and artistic maturity. However, in India, except for Kerala, the work of women directors has not received sustained visibility at major film festivals.


In Kerala, a dedicated film festival for women directors has been held for several years. As a result, film enthusiasts, scholars, and filmmakers have been demanding that IFFI give due recognition to women directors and provide them with a suitable platform. This year, IFFI finally gave concrete shape to this demand by introducing a special section featuring nearly 50 films by women directors from India and abroad.


Similarly, in other sections of the festival, an emphasis on women’s independence and empowerment was clearly visible. Films such as ‘The Blue Trail’ - the opening film of IFFI - which traces a young woman’s journey of self-discovery across rugged landscapes; ‘Shape of Momo,’ ‘Girls on Wire,’ ‘Laapataa Ladies’ – the wonderful dark comedy about women reclaiming agency in a patriarchal world, and several others reflected this focus.


The restoration and presentation of older films emerged as one of the most significant features of this year’s IFFI. Many films made on celluloid in earlier decades have become difficult for contemporary audiences to watch due to scratches, fading, or damage caused by inadequate preservation. Over the past few years, the National Film Development Corporation has undertaken the restoration of several important Indian films and converted them into 4K format, ensuring that this cinematic heritage reaches future generations.

 

This year, IFFI presented special screenings of restored classics, including ‘Do Ankhen Barah Haath’ - V. Shantaram’s classic tale of prison reform; Ramesh Sippy’s ‘Sholay’ and Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction.’ These films are not just historical markers but living lessons in cinematic craft as Shantaram’s humanism, Sippy’s narrative audacity and Tarantino’s playful deconstruction of genre all demonstrate how directors shape both the imagination and the consciousness of audiences across generations. What stood out was that these screenings were not dominated by senior citizens but attracted large Gen Z audiences. Many of them had only read about or heard of these films. IFFI offered them their first opportunity to experience these works on the big screen. Their enthusiastic response reaffirmed that good cinema continues to find its audience, regardless of time or generation.


Focus on Local Cinema

One of the most encouraging developments at IFFI in recent years has been its increasing focus on regional cinema. Films from various Indian languages, including lesser-known dialects, and works by young and emerging directors, have found space in sections such as Indian Panorama. This shift reflects a broader understanding of Indian cinema.

 

IFFI, which has been held in Goa for over two decades, also introduced a dedicated Goan section a few years ago to showcase films in the Konkani language. The state government has consistently supported local language filmmaking and used IFFI as a platform to present Goan cinema to a global audience. As a result, the film culture in Goa has grown noticeably over the last eight years.

 

Alongside short films and documentaries, full-length Konkani feature films are now being produced, and high-quality works from the region are screened at IFFI every year. This has encouraged many young people in the state to take filmmaking seriously. Last year, 15 Konkani short films were screened across the Indian Panorama and Goan sections. This year, two films were selected for Gala screenings, and five short films were featured in the Goan section. This growing visibility has provided a significant boost to Goan cinema and has inspired confidence among young filmmakers to attempt full-length features in the future.

 

Each year, India and several non-English speaking countries submit a film to the Oscars in the International Feature Film category. However, many of these films do not receive theatrical releases in India, and even when they appear on OTT platforms, it is often months or years later. This delay has long disappointed film enthusiasts.

 

This year, IFFI addressed this gap by screening around 21 films submitted for the Oscars. These included ‘A Useful Ghost from Thailand’ - a poignant reflection on grief and memory; ‘Sirât’ from Spain and France; ‘A Poet from Colombia,’ a lyrical study of language and identity; and ‘The Last Repair Shop’ from the US, an exploration of human connection in a post-industrial world. These screenings were met with an enthusiastic response from audiences. In doing so, IFFI is following in the footsteps of earlier festivals like Cannes and Venice, which historically introduced audiences to gems such as Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon or Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal, films that transcended borders and reshaped global cinema.

In the end, this year’s IFFI felt both expansive and quietly reassuring. By widening its curatorial lens, the festival allowed audiences to encounter a richer, more varied cinema than before. Through this widening global window came not just new films, but new ways of seeing, suggesting that the future of cinema, for all its anxieties, remains open, plural and alive.

 

(The writer is a scriptwriter and director. Views personal)

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