Narendra Modi's first entry as Prime Minister was in…

New Delhi, July 21: In a surprising revelation on the occasion of Guru Purnima on Sunday, it was revealed on the 'Modi Archive' account that Narendra Modi did not enter the Prime Minister's residence for the first time in 2014. Instead, the first public entry took place in 2001 during the launch of a book written by him in tribute to his teacher and mentor, Laxmanrao Inamdar.

According to the Modi Archive X account, it is a lesser-known fact that Narendra Modi's first public entry at 7 Race Course Road, Delhi, did not take place in 2014 but on August 18, 2001. At that time, he was serving as the national general secretary of the BJP.

His visit was to launch his biography of Lakshmanrao Inamdar in the presence of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In his book 'Setubandh', PM Modi compares Inamdar to the bridge built by Lord Ram to reach Sri Lanka.

This incident also highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi's deep love and respect for his 'guru'.

“He taught us to always try to find out the virtues and qualities of the other person and try to work on them… don't focus on the flaws. Every person has many flaws, but you have to focus on their (positive) qualities,” Prime Minister Modi once remarked while recalling an important lesson he had learnt from his mentor and idol, Laxmanrao Inamdar.

Progress, be it of a nation, society or an individual, is impossible without the help of a Guru. Today, on the occasion of #GuruPurnima, we celebrate the sacred bond between a Guru and a disciple by remembering the indelible mark that Laxmanrao Inamdar left on his character, life and leadership, as per the Modi archives.

At just eight years old, young Narendra Modi met Laxmanrao Inamdar, fondly known as 'Vakil Saheb'. On Diwali, instead of celebrating with his family, Modi made a life-changing decision.

He proclaimed himself as a ‘balswayamsevak’ in the RSS under the leadership of Vakil Saheb. This moment marked the beginning of a lifelong journey guided by the principles and values ​​instilled by Vakil Saheb, which ultimately shaped Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and vision for the nation.

In 1970, a young Narendra Modi travelled to Ahmedabad and took a job at his uncle's canteen in the State Transport Board. Soon after, he reconnected with Vakil Saheb at the RSS headquarters nearby at Hedgewar Bhavan.

While he was carrying out his duties, the Bangladesh War broke out between Pakistan and India. Prime Minister Modi had then gone to Delhi to participate in a RSS Satyagraha in support of the right of RSS workers to join the army. However, instead of allowing them to join the war effort, the Indira Gandhi government arrested Modi and his compatriots and sent them to Tihar Jail.

This watershed event strengthened Modi's political beliefs and principles. After the war ended in 1972, Modi was 'adopted' by Vakil Saheb and formally joined the RSS as a 'pracharak', embarking on his journey under his mentor.

During his stay at Hedgewar Bhawan, Narendra Modi wholeheartedly adopted the traditional Guru-Shishya relationship. His first lesson was on discipline. Vakil Saheb often reminded him: “Everyone has 24 hours in a day, but it is up to each individual to decide how he uses it.”

Modi's routine began at 5 am, he would make tea for everyone, clean utensils and prepare breakfast. His responsibilities extended to cleaning the eight-to-nine-room building independently, washing clothes for himself and Vakil Saheb and then going to a volunteer's house for lunch.

After lunch, he returned to Hedgewar Bhawan to continue his duties.

On October 16, 1984, Narendra Modi faced a profound loss with the demise of Vakil Saheb, which left a significant void in his life.

Despite this, Prime Minister Modi has remained determined to uphold the teachings he received from his guru during his tenure in the RSS.

These lessons became guiding principles as he embarked on a new journey by joining the BJP in 1987.

According to Indian philosophy, every individual is born with four sacred debts, one of which is known as 'Rishi Rin'. This debt symbolises the noble responsibility of passing on the wisdom and values ​​passed down by the elders and gurus to future generations.

As a tribute to Vakil Saheb's enduring wisdom and legacy, Narendra Modi established educational and cultural institutions named 'Sanskar Dham' and 'Laxman Gyanpith' on June 6, 1992, on the occasion of 'Rishi Panchami'.

Modi has remained steadfast in his commitment to ensuring that the teachings and values ​​instilled by his guru continue to inspire generations to come.

On 23 August 2001, to commemorate the death anniversary of Vakil Saheb, Narendra Modi organised a grand event called 'Tap Vandana'.

The gathering was held to honour Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteers who had reached the age of 75.

At the event, Modi unveiled a CD containing songs he himself composed, celebrating the virtues of Vakil Saheb, which were presented as a gift to the senior volunteers.

Even after becoming Prime Minister, Modi firmly upholds the teachings of Vakil Saheb.

He often returns to these principles, including during the 100th episode of “Mann Ki Baat.” In that episode, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that “Mann Ki Baat” has always focused on “celebrating virtues in others,” a principle that was instilled in him by his mentor Vakil Saheb.