Patna: The announcement of the Padma Bhushan being awarded posthumously to Sushil Kumar Modi, the veteran BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, has been hailed as a moment of pride for the state. His family and supporters see the honour as a recognition of his five decades of public service and commitment to Bihar’s development.
Speaking on the occasion, Modi’s wife, Jessie Sushil Modi, and son, Akshay Modi, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the President of India, Draupadi Murmu; Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Home Minister Amit Shah; Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar; BJP State President Dilip Kumar Jaiswal; and Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Sinha. They noted that the award is not only a tribute to Sushil Modi’s lifelong dedication to Bihar but also a source of inspiration for countless BJP workers across the nation.
Dedication to Public Service
Reflecting on Sushil Modi’s legacy, Jessie Modi highlighted his work with various sections of society, particularly his efforts to support hospitals and provide aid to people living below the poverty line. “This award is like a balm for the wounds caused by his demise. It is also a source of inspiration for the youth, who look up to leaders like him to set goals and guide them toward progress,” she said.
Jessie Modi further remarked that Sushil Modi viewed politics as a medium for serving the public and improving the lives of ordinary people. She emphasized that his complete dedication to Bihar was unwavering, and the award was a recognition of his grassroots efforts to transform the state’s finances and development trajectory.
Commitment to Leadership Development
Jessie Modi also spoke of her late husband’s focus on preparing the next generation of leaders within the BJP. “He was committed to ensuring the party’s success by nurturing talent and working selflessly for its growth. His work, especially in implementing GST and other significant reforms, has left a lasting impact on Bihar and the country,” she said.
She expressed hope that the young generation would follow in Sushil Modi’s footsteps, adopting his ideals of unconditional service for the betterment of society and the nation.
A Tribute to Bihar
Calling the Padma Bhushan a tribute to Sushil Modi’s unparalleled contribution to Bihar, Jessie Modi said she would dedicate the honour to the people of the state. “This recognition is a true reflection of his love for Bihar and its development. It is a moment of pride not just for our family but for lakhs of BJP workers and admirers,” she said.
Sushil Kumar Modi, a key figure in Bihar politics, was widely respected for his administrative acumen and grassroots connect. His posthumous recognition with the Padma Bhushan is seen as a fitting acknowledgment of his commitment to public service and his efforts to uplift the state of Bihar.
