Narendra Modi is a prominent Indian politician who has been serving as the Prime Minister of India since May 2014. Here are some detailed aspects of his life and career:
Early Life and Education
- Full Name: Narendra Damodardas Modi
- Date of Birth: September 17, 1950
- Place of Birth: Vadnagar, Gujarat, India
- Family Background: Modi was born into a modest family; his father, Damodardas Modi, ran a tea stall, and his mother, Heeraben Modi, is a homemaker.
- Education: Modi completed his schooling in Vadnagar and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Delhi University. He also attended Gujarat University for a Master’s degree in Political Science.
Political Career
- Early Involvement: Modi’s political career began in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, where he was actively involved in its activities. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 1980s.
- Rise in Gujarat: Modi’s political prominence grew when he became the General Secretary of the BJP’s Gujarat unit in 1987. He was appointed as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in October 2001, succeeding Keshubhai Patel. His tenure as Chief Minister was marked by significant economic development but also by controversy over the 2002 Gujarat riots.
- Prime Minister: Modi led the BJP to a decisive victory in the 2014 General Elections, becoming the Prime Minister of India. He was re-elected in 2019 with an even larger mandate. His tenure has focused on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and initiatives like “Make in India,” “Digital India,” and “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.”
Key Policies and Initiatives
- Economic Reforms: Modi’s government has introduced various economic reforms, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetization of high-value currency notes.
- Social Initiatives: His administration has launched several social programs aimed at improving sanitation, health care, and rural development.
- Foreign Policy: Modi has pursued an active foreign policy, aiming to strengthen India’s ties with various countries and enhance its global standing.
Personal Life
- Marriage: Modi married Jashodaben Chimanlal Modi in 1968, but he has maintained a relatively private personal life. His marriage has been a subject of public curiosity.
- Hobbies and Interests: Modi is known for his interest in yoga and has promoted it internationally. He is also a prolific user of social media to connect with the public.
Challenges and Controversies
- 2002 Gujarat Riots: His role in the 2002 riots has been a point of contention and criticism. Modi was accused of not doing enough to prevent the violence, though he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
- Economic Decisions: His policies, particularly demonetization, have been controversial and debated for their impact on the economy and common people.