Narendra Modi
- Birth: 17 Sep 1950
- Death: —
- Age: 75 years
- Net Worth: $400.0K USD
- Income Source: Prime Minister’s salary, interest on fixed deposits, government pension
Biography
Narendra Damodardas Modi, born September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, rose from humble origins as the son of a tea seller. Selling chai at railway stations shaped his early resilience. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a teenager, embracing its discipline and ideology. Modi earned a BA in political science and an MA in the same field from Gujarat University while organizing for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
His political ascent began in the 1980s. Appointed BJP's general secretary, he orchestrated the party's Gujarat breakthrough in 1995. In 2001, he became Chief Minister of Gujarat, steering recovery from the 2001 earthquake and championing economic growth. His "Gujarat Model" emphasized infrastructure, investment, and ease of business, though marred by 2002 riots allegations, which courts later cleared him of.
Modi swept to national power in 2014 as BJP's prime ministerial candidate, winning a majority government—the first in decades. Re-elected in 2019 and securing a third term in 2024 despite coalition dependencies, his tenure has redefined India. Initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, GST, and Swachh Bharat transformed governance and economy. Demonetization (2016) aimed at black money but sparked debate; COVID-19 vaccination drives and infrastructure booms (highways, airports) boosted global stature. India's G20 presidency in 2023 highlighted his diplomatic push for the Global South.
Critics cite centralization, media curbs, and policies like farm laws (later withdrawn) as divisive. Yet, Modi's 74% approval rating reflects his mass appeal—fueled by oratory, social media savvy, and Hindutva-rooted nationalism. Unmarried and ascetic, he embodies self-made leadership. At 75 in 2025, Modi eyes legacy: Viksit Bharat by 2047. From tea stalls to Teen Murti, his journey symbolizes aspiration amid polarization.
His political ascent began in the 1980s. Appointed BJP's general secretary, he orchestrated the party's Gujarat breakthrough in 1995. In 2001, he became Chief Minister of Gujarat, steering recovery from the 2001 earthquake and championing economic growth. His "Gujarat Model" emphasized infrastructure, investment, and ease of business, though marred by 2002 riots allegations, which courts later cleared him of.
Modi swept to national power in 2014 as BJP's prime ministerial candidate, winning a majority government—the first in decades. Re-elected in 2019 and securing a third term in 2024 despite coalition dependencies, his tenure has redefined India. Initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, GST, and Swachh Bharat transformed governance and economy. Demonetization (2016) aimed at black money but sparked debate; COVID-19 vaccination drives and infrastructure booms (highways, airports) boosted global stature. India's G20 presidency in 2023 highlighted his diplomatic push for the Global South.
Critics cite centralization, media curbs, and policies like farm laws (later withdrawn) as divisive. Yet, Modi's 74% approval rating reflects his mass appeal—fueled by oratory, social media savvy, and Hindutva-rooted nationalism. Unmarried and ascetic, he embodies self-made leadership. At 75 in 2025, Modi eyes legacy: Viksit Bharat by 2047. From tea stalls to Teen Murti, his journey symbolizes aspiration amid polarization.