Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950 in Vadnagar, India. He was the third of six children born to Damodardas Mulchand Modi. His family belonged to the Ghanchi caste, which is considered to be an Other Backward Class in India. Modi's father ran a tea stall in Vadnagar, where Modi helped out as a teenager.
Modi's political career began when he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, in his early twenties. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a key figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In 2001, he was appointed Chief Minister of Gujarat, a position he held until 2014.
Modi's tenure as Chief Minister was marked by controversy. In 2002, Gujarat was engulfed in communal violence, with Hindu mobs attacking Muslim communities. Modi's administration faced heavy criticism for failing to protect the minority Muslim population. The incident tarnished Modi's reputation, and he was urged to resign by then-Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In May 2014, Modi led the BJP to a landslide victory in the Indian general elections and became the 15th Prime Minister of India. His campaign focused on economic development and good governance, and he promised to transform India into a global superpower.
As Prime Minister, Modi has implemented various economic and social reforms. He introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to streamline India's complex tax system, launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) to improve sanitation, and initiated the Make in India campaign to boost manufacturing in the country.
Modi's foreign policy has also been a key focus of his administration. He has sought to strengthen India's ties with other countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Modi has also been an advocate for environmental issues, championing initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance to promote renewable energy.
In 1968, Modi married Jashodaben Modi, a woman chosen for him by his parents. The marriage was arranged, but Modi spent very little time with his wife as he was focused on his political career. The couple eventually separated, and Modi has largely kept his personal life private.
Modi's tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by both praise and criticism. Supporters applaud his efforts to modernize India's economy and improve infrastructure, while critics condemn his government's handling of issues such as religious intolerance and civil liberties. As the leader of the world's largest democracy, Modi's impact on Indian politics is likely to be felt for years to come.