Nadia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a public meeting as a part of his election campaign in Krishnanagar, West Bengal, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Photo: IANS/PMO)
New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that NITI Aayog has emerged as a vital pillar in India’s policy-making architecture, fostering cooperative federalism, furthering reforms and boosting ‘Ease of Living.’
It serves as a dynamic platform for innovation and long-term strategic thinking across sectors, said Prime Minister as he congratulated Ashok Kumar Lahiri on becoming the Vice Chairman and other full-time members.
“The Government has reconstituted the NITI Aayog. My best wishes to Ashok Kumar Lahiri on becoming the Vice Chairman. My best wishes also to Rajiv Gauba, Prof. K. V. Raju, Prof. Gobardhan Das, Prof. Abhay Karandikar and Dr. M. Srinivas on becoming Full Time Members of NITI Aayog,” said PM Modi in a post on social media platform X.
“Wishing all of them a productive and impactful tenure ahead,” Prime Minister added.
PM Modi met Lahiri and congratulated him on his appointment as Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog.
“His rich experience in economics and public policy will further strengthen the path of reforms in India and the journey towards becoming a 'Viksit Bharat'. I am confident that his efforts will make our country's policy-making even more dynamic. My best wishes to him for a fruitful tenure,” said Prime Minister.
Lahiri, who represents Balurghat in the current Bengal Assembly but is not contesting the ongoing elections, brings with him a distinguished career in economics.
He served as the 12th Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India and has held positions at the Delhi School of Economics, the Asian Development Bank, Bandhan Bank, and the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy.
His global experience includes stints with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. An alumnus of Presidency University, Kolkata, Lahiri is widely respected for his academic and policy contributions.
Hard work and humility: PM Modi praises Gobardhan Das on NITI Aayog appointment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Gobardhan Das, praising his inspiring journey marked by tireless hard work and humility.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi highlighted Das’ significant contributions to public health, science, and innovation that have made the nation proud.
“Prof. Gobardhan Das, heartfelt congratulations to you! Your journey, filled with tireless hard work and humility, is truly inspiring for everyone,” PM Modi said.
“The invaluable contributions you have made in the fields of public health, science, and innovation fill the entire nation with pride. My sincere best wishes for your tenure,” the Prime Minister stated.
In a deeply personal statement, Prof. Das described the appointment at NITI Aayog as a member as one of the most important days of his life.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the opportunity, he reflected on his humble beginnings as the son of a farmer from a Dalit family in a remote village in West Bengal.
“Today is a very important day in my life. I sincerely thank the dynamic Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for giving me the opportunity to serve as a member of Niti Aayog,” he said.
He emphasised how the values of hard work, resilience, and struggle have shaped his journey.
Prof. Das noted that his new role is not merely a position but a representation of the aspirations and hopes of countless ordinary citizens.
“I firmly believe that for the complete development of the country, it is very important to improve the quality of life in remote areas, the farmer community, and ordinary people,” he stated.
“For this purpose, I promise to work with honesty, dedication, and full responsibility under the guidance of the Prime Minister,” he added.
Pledging to serve with honesty, dedication, and responsibility, he said he looks forward to contributing to India’s progress under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
“I promise to work with honesty, dedication, and full responsibility under the guidance of the Prime Minister,” Prof. Das stated.
