Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Narendra Damodardas Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, a small
town in Gujarat. He came from a humble background, with his father running a
tea stall where Modi occasionally helped as a child.
Family and Personal Life
Modi’s parents played a significant role in shaping his values. His father,
Damodardas Modi, was a tea seller, while his mother, Heeraben Modi, is a figure
of inspiration in his life. Heeraben has been often praised by Modi for her
simplicity and strong moral foundation. Modi married Jashodaben Chimanlal Modi
as per societal customs when he was young. However, they have since lived
separately, and Modi has often spoken about dedicating his life entirely to
public service. Despite not having children, Modi considers all Indians as his
extended family, and his devotion to serving the nation reflects this belief.
His siblings, too, have maintained a low profile, leading modest lives.
Childhood Passion for National Service
From a young age, Modi showed an interest in serving the nation. He was a
member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his early teenage years,
where he learned discipline and organizational skills.
Devotion to Spirituality
Modi left home in his teenage years and traveled across India, visiting various
ashrams, including the Belur Math in West Bengal and the Himalayas, seeking
spiritual growth.
Journey into Politics
After his spiritual journey, Modi joined the RSS full-time in 1971. His
dedication to the organization caught the attention of senior leaders,
eventually paving the way for his political career in the Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP).
Key Role in BJP’s Growth
Modi played a crucial role in expanding the BJP’s influence in Gujarat and
across the nation. He was instrumental in organizing campaigns and
strengthening the party's grassroots network.
Gujarat Chief Minister
Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, earning a
reputation for his administrative skills and focus on economic development.
Reviving Gujarat’s Economy
Under Modi’s leadership, Gujarat witnessed significant industrial growth, with
initiatives like the Vibrant Gujarat Summit attracting global investments to
the state.
Tackling the 2001 Earthquake
One of Modi’s earliest challenges as Chief Minister was managing the aftermath
of the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake. His leadership was lauded for the
swift recovery and rebuilding efforts.