Narendra Modi, born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, India, is the 14th and current Prime Minister of India. Rising from humble beginnings, Modi’s journey from a tea seller to the nation’s highest office is a testament to his resilience, vision, and dedication to public service. As a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Modi has significantly influenced India’s political landscape.
Early Life and Education
Born to Damodardas Mulchand Modi and Hiraben Modi, Narendra Modi was the third of six children. His family belonged to the Modh-Ghanchi-Teli (oil-presser) community, categorized as Other Backward Class (OBC) in India. Modi’s early life was marked by financial constraints, leading him to assist his father in selling tea at the Vadnagar railway station and later running his own tea stall with his brother.
Despite the challenges, Modi was a diligent student with a keen interest in debating and reading. He completed his higher secondary education in Vadnagar. Demonstrating an early inclination towards spirituality and nationalism, Modi embarked on a journey across India, visiting various ashrams and gaining diverse experiences. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the School of Open Learning at the University of Delhi and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Gujarat University.
Early Political Involvement
Modi’s association with the RSS began at the age of eight, laying the foundation for his political career. The RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization, played a pivotal role in shaping his ideological framework. In 1971, Modi became a full-time pracharak (campaigner) for the RSS, immersing himself in socio-political activities. During the Emergency period (1975-1977) imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Modi played a significant role in organizing protests and distributing underground literature, opposing the suspension of civil liberties.
Rise in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Modi’s organizational skills and dedication did not go unnoticed. In 1985, he was assigned to the BJP, the political wing associated with the RSS. His strategic acumen was evident during the 1990 Gujarat Assembly elections and the 1995 state elections, where the BJP emerged victorious. Recognizing his capabilities, Modi was appointed as the National Secretary of the BJP in 1995, responsible for party activities in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister of Gujarat (2001-2014)
In 2001, Gujarat faced significant challenges, including the aftermath of the Bhuj earthquake. The BJP’s leadership saw potential in Modi’s leadership abilities and appointed him as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001. His tenure, however, began under the shadow of the tragic 2002 Gujarat riots, which resulted in significant loss of life and property. Modi’s administration faced criticism for its handling of the situation, leading to widespread national and international scrutiny. While some investigations absolved his government of direct involvement, debates about the administration’s role during the riots continue.
Post-2002, Modi focused on economic development, emphasizing infrastructure, electricity supply, and industrial growth. Initiatives like the Vibrant Gujarat Summit were launched to attract investment, positioning Gujarat as a preferred destination for both domestic and international investors. Under his leadership, Gujarat reported high agricultural growth and improvements in the state’s GDP.
Prime Ministerial Campaign and Victory (2014)
Building on his governance record in Gujarat, Modi emerged as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 general elections. His campaign, characterized by the slogan “Achhe Din Aane Waale Hain” (Good days are coming), resonated with a populace seeking economic rejuvenation and effective governance. The BJP secured a historic mandate, winning 282 out of 543 seats, marking the first time since 1984 that a single party achieved a majority on its own. Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India on May 26, 2014.
Major Initiatives and Policies
- Economic Reforms and Initiatives
- Make in India: Launched in 2014, this initiative aimed to transform India into a global manufacturing hub by encouraging both multinational and domestic companies to manufacture their products within the country. The program focused on sectors like automobiles, textiles, and electronics, aiming to boost employment and skill development.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST): Implemented on July 1, 2017, GST subsumed multiple indirect taxes, creating a unified tax structure. This reform aimed to simplify taxation, reduce tax evasion, and create a common national market by eliminating state-imposed barriers.
- Demonetization: On November 8, 2016, the government demonetized ₹500 and ₹1,000 currency notes, aiming to curb black money, counterfeit currency, and corruption. The move led to a significant shift towards digital transactions, although it also faced criticism for its impact on the informal economy.
- Social Welfare Schemes
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Launched in August 2014, this financial inclusion program aimed to provide universal access to banking facilities. By 2025, over 400 million bank accounts were opened under this scheme, promoting savings and enabling direct benefit transfers.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan:
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