This Article is From Apr 18, 2014

Blog: 'I have taken six weeks off to campaign for Modi'

Ahmedabad: (Dr Vasudev Patel was born in Mehsana, Gujarat in 1956. He is a scientist (forensic toxicology) in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also the President of Gujarati Association of Atlanta and co-ordinator of Overseas Friends of the BJP. He's in India for six weeks to campaign for BJP's prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi.)

I work as a scientist in the field of forensic toxicology in Atlanta, Georgia. I have taken six weeks off to come here and campaign for Mr Modi. I landed here  on April 11 and will stay will May 18.  Six weeks of leave from my profession is a very small sacrifice for my country. Instead of spending a vacation with the family, I am spending this vacation for the betterment of my country. I've spent my own money - for travel, campaigning - everything. I have a wife and 13-year-old daughter back in the US. They too wanted to come here and campaign but couldn't because of my daughter's school.

I have known Narendra Modi for 30 years. I was an RSS swayamsevak from Mehsana district (Gujarat) in 1983 when I first met him. He came as a 'pracharak' and what impressed me most was his devotion to the country. He truly, truly cared about India. He has been a friend since then.

I travelled to India for these elections with a group 4-5 NRIs. We are out campaigning every day. Our day begins at 8 am and ends at 11 pm. We have campaigned in about 20 towns so far. We accompany the local candidate to wherever they travel... we speak to the people and tell them why we are here, why we think Mr. Modi is the best man to lead this country. We are staying with a party worker in Ahmedabad. I have yet to meet Mr Modi - he's been very busy campaigning, but I'll definitely meet him before I leave.

I come to India every year and meet him everytime... this time will be no different. He is always eager for suggestions for Gujarat. He has a vision... not just for Gujarat but for Bharat.

I love India and only left the country only due to a lack of opportunities here. It is my belief that India can improve under the leadership of Mr Modi. Every time we visit Gujarat we see so much development. I feel it is far ahead of a lot of other states in India. In my opinion, the country can progress under the leadership of Mr. Modi and I know for sure that there will be more opportunities for the youth of this country and he will prevent brain drain. India is in our hearts... we only left because we didn't have a choice.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this blog are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing on the blog  do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

.