Narendra Modi is an Indian politician serving as the Prime Minister of India since May 2014. He is a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization. He represents the Varanasi constituency in the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha).
Profile
Early Life and Education
Narendra Damodardas Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, a small town in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, India. Raised in a lower-middle-class Gujarati Hindu family of the Other Backward Class (OBC), he was the third of six children born to Damodardas Mulchand Modi, a tea stall owner, and Hiraben Modi. Modi’s early life was marked by modest circumstances, and he often helped at his father’s tea stall at Vadnagar railway station. His childhood friends recall him as a hardworking, curious child with a penchant for reading and debating. He completed his Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) in 1967 from the Gujarat Board and later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Delhi in 1978 through distance education. He earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from Gujarat University in 1983.
At 17, Modi left home to travel across India, exploring diverse cultures and visiting Hindu ashrams, including those founded by Swami Vivekananda. These experiences shaped his commitment to public service and nationalism. In the early 1970s, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, and became a full-time pracharak (campaigner) by 1971, embracing a life of discipline and social responsibility.
Narendra Modi Political Career
Modi’s political journey began with the RSS, where he honed his organizational skills. In 1985, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and quickly rose through its ranks. By 1988, he was the general secretary of the BJP’s Gujarat unit, playing a key role in strengthening the party’s presence. His strategic acumen helped the BJP win the 1995 Gujarat Assembly elections, forming its first state government. In 1998, he became the BJP’s national general secretary, overseeing party activities across states.
In October 2001, Modi was appointed Chief Minister of Gujarat, replacing Keshubhai Patel after the BJP’s electoral setbacks and the Bhuj earthquake. His tenure (2001–2014) saw significant economic growth, with initiatives like the Jyotigram Yojana for 24/7 rural power and the establishment of Special Economic Zones. However, his administration faced criticism for its handling of the 2002 Gujarat riots, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths, mostly Muslims, following a train fire in Godhra. While a Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team cleared Modi of wrongdoing, the controversy remains a polarizing aspect of his legacy.
In 2014, Modi led the BJP to a historic victory in the Lok Sabha elections, securing 282 seats. He became India’s 14th Prime Minister on May 26, 2014, the first born after India’s independence in 1947. He was re-elected in 2019 with 303 seats and in 2024 with the BJP-led NDA alliance winning 293 seats, serving a third term starting June 9, 2024. His premiership is marked by reforms like the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Swachh Bharat Mission for sanitation, and the Make in India campaign to boost manufacturing. Notable decisions include the 2016 demonetization of ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes to curb black money and the 2019 revocation of Article 370, ending Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. However, policies like the 2020 farm laws (later repealed) and demonetization sparked protests and economic debates.
Modi’s foreign policy has elevated India’s global stature, strengthening ties with the U.S., China, and other nations. His leadership style, often described as decisive, has earned high domestic approval ratings, though critics highlight democratic backsliding and a shift toward majoritarian politics.
Narendra Modi Personal Life and Family
Modi married Jashodaben Chimanlal in 1968 at age 18 in an arranged marriage customary to his caste. The couple separated soon after, and Modi left home, keeping the marriage private for decades due to RSS’s historical celibacy requirement for pracharaks. In 2014, he publicly acknowledged Jashodaben, a retired schoolteacher who maintains a low profile. They remain legally married but live separately, with no children. Modi shares a close bond with his late mother, Hiraben (1923–2022), and does not reside with family members, prioritizing his public duties. He is a vegetarian, practices yoga, and is known for his disciplined lifestyle.
Narendra Modi Net Worth
As of 2025, Narendra Modi’s net worth is estimated at ₹3.07 crore (approximately $370,000), per his election affidavit. His primary income is his Prime Ministerial salary of ₹1.66 lakh per month (about $2,000), supplemented by fixed deposits and modest investments.
Narendra Modi Cars
Narendra Modi does not own any personal vehicles. As Prime Minister, he uses a fleet of government-provided, high-security vehicles, including armored BMW 7 Series and Range Rover SUVs, maintained by the Special Protection Group (SPG). These are not personally owned but allocated for official duties.
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FAQs
What is Narendra Modi’s full name?
Narendra Damodardas Modi.
How old is Narendra Modi?
As of May 15, 2025, he is 74 years old, born on September 17, 1950.
Is Narendra Modi married?
Yes, he is married to Jashodaben Chimanlal, but they have lived separately since their arranged marriage in 1968.
Does Narendra Modi own any cars?
No, he owns no personal vehicles but uses government-provided, high-security cars for official duties.
What are some of Modi’s major initiatives?
Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India, Digital India, GST, and the revocation of Article 370.
What controversies has Modi faced?
Criticism over the 2002 Gujarat riots, 2016 demonetization, farm laws, and concerns about democratic backsliding.
Where was Narendra Modi born?
Vadnagar, Mehsana district, Gujarat, India.
Social Media Handle
Instagram: @narendramodi
