Narendra Modi – Biography

By Priyanshu Juyal | — | May 27, 2025

Name	Narendra Modi
Caption	Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022
Birth Name	Narendra Damodardas Modi
Birth Date	17 September 1950
Birth Place	Vadnagar, Bombay State (now Gujarat), India
Nationality	Indian
Citizenship	Indian
Other Names	NaMo
Education	M.A. in Political Science
Alma Mater	University of Delhi; Gujarat University
Occupation	Politician
Years Active	1985–present
Known For	14th Prime Minister of India
Notable Works	Digital India, Swachh Bharat, Make in India
Spouse(s)	Jashodaben Narendrabhai Modi
Children	None
Parents	Damodardas Mulchand Modi, Heeraben Modi
Relatives	Prahlad Modi (brother), Somabhai Modi (brother)
Website	www.narendramodi.

Early Life and Education

Narendra Damodardas Modi was born on 17 September 1950 in Vadnagar, a small town in present-day Gujarat, India. He was the third of six children born to Damodardas Mulchand Modi, a tea seller, and Heeraben Modi, a homemaker. The family belonged to the Ghanchi-Teli community, classified as Other Backward Class (OBC) in India.

Growing up in a modest household, Modi began helping his father sell tea at the Vadnagar railway station at a young age. Later, he and his brother ran a tea stall near a bus stand. His early life instilled in him values of discipline, hard work, and resilience, which would define his political journey in the years to come.

Modi completed his schooling in Vadnagar, where he was known for his debating skills and keen interest in theater. In his teenage years, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist volunteer organization, which laid the ideological foundation for his future in politics.

Modi obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the School of Open Learning at Delhi University, followed by a Master’s degree in Political Science from Gujarat University.

3. Career

Career Beginnings

Modi’s political career began in earnest in 1985 when he formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He quickly rose through the ranks due to his organizational abilities and dedication. By the late 1980s, he played a pivotal role in organizing the BJP’s election campaigns in Gujarat and nationally.

During the 1990s, he was credited with strategically managing the BJP’s campaigns, leading to significant electoral gains. In 2001, following the resignation of Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, Modi was appointed as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Major Milestones

Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, winning three consecutive terms. His tenure was marked by economic development, industrial growth, and controversies surrounding the 2002 Gujarat riots, which received national and international attention. While Modi denied wrongdoing and was cleared by the Supreme Court-appointed SIT, the incident remained a subject of intense debate.

In 2013, he was declared the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 general elections. Running on a platform of development, governance, and nationalism, Modi led the BJP to a historic landslide victory, securing a full majority—the first in India since 1984.

On 26 May 2014, Modi was sworn in as the 14th Prime Minister of India, and he was re-elected in 2019 with an even larger majority.

Significant Achievements

As Prime Minister, Narendra Modi launched numerous landmark initiatives:

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) – focused on improving sanitation and eliminating open defecation.
Digital India – aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered society.
Make in India – an initiative to boost manufacturing and attract foreign investment.
Jan Dhan Yojana – financial inclusion through opening bank accounts for millions.
GST Implementation (2017) – a unified tax reform to simplify India’s tax structure.
Abolition of Article 370 (2019) – ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
COVID-19 Response – Modi led India’s fight during the pandemic with mass vaccination drives and relief efforts.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Modi has worked extensively to strengthen India’s foreign relations. He forged strong diplomatic and trade ties with the United States, Russia, Japan, and Israel. He hosted and visited global leaders and addressed Indian diaspora communities in major world cities, including Madison Square Garden (New York) and Wembley Stadium (London).

4. Personal Life

Modi’s personal life remains largely private. He was married at a young age to Jashodaben Narendrabhai Modi, but the marriage was short-lived, and they have lived separately for most of their lives. Modi acknowledged his marital status officially only during the 2014 election process.

He has no children and is known for leading a disciplined, almost ascetic lifestyle. He practices yoga and meditation, which he credits with helping him maintain focus and energy amid demanding political responsibilities.

Despite being deeply engaged in politics, Modi has a keen interest in writing and poetry. He has authored several books, including collections of poems and works on leadership.

Philanthropically, Modi has advocated for causes such as girl child education (Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao), cleanliness, and digital literacy.

5. Death and Legacy

(Not applicable)

As of 2025, Narendra Modi is alive and continues to serve as the Prime Minister of India. His legacy is already significant, marked by major economic reforms, political shifts, and a new narrative of Indian nationalism. Supporters admire his vision, leadership, and ability to connect with the masses. Critics, however, have questioned certain policies and raised concerns about press freedom, secularism, and minority rights during his tenure.

Modi’s influence on Indian politics is profound, with his communication style, political strategy, and governance model shaping the contemporary Indian political landscape.

6. Awards and Honors

Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud – Saudi Arabia, 2016
Grand Collar of the State of Palestine – 2018
Order of Zayed – United Arab Emirates, 2019
Order of St. Andrew – Russia, 2019
Legion of Merit (USA) – 2020
Global Goalkeeper Award (Gates Foundation) – 2019, for Swachh Bharat Mission
Time 100 List – Multiple appearances including 2014, 2015, and 2020
UN Champions of the Earth Award – 2018, for environmental leadership