Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File Photo)
Born on September 17, 1950, a few years after India gained independence, Narendra Modi was the third of six children of Damodardas and Hiraba Modi. Modi joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) when he was eight and was mentored by Lakshmanrao Inamdar. Modi’s first significant political action came in 1971, when he joined a Jana Sangh protest in support of the Bangladesh Liberation War, which led to a brief detention. After the 1971 India-Pakistan war, he became a full-time RSS pracharak (campaigner).
In June 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared an Emergency in India that lasted until 1977. Modi was named general secretary of the Gujarat Lok Sangharsh Samiti, an RSS committee that coordinated resistance to the Emergency. After the RSS was banned, Modi went underground in Gujarat. He was active in distributing anti-government pamphlets, organising protests, and creating a network of safe houses.
In 1979, he moved to Delhi to research and write about the RSS’s role during the Emergency. He returned to Gujarat and was assigned to the BJP in 1985. In 1987, he played a key role in organising the BJP’s campaign in the Ahmedabad municipal election, which resulted in a decisive victory. His efforts led to his appointment as organising secretary of the BJP’s Gujarat unit.
Modi continued to rise within the party, playing significant roles in organising political events such as L K Advani’s Ram Rath Yatra in 1990 and Murli Manohar Joshi’s Ekta Yatra in 1991–92. On October 7, 2001, Modi took on his first official role as Gujarat’s Chief Minister. From that point on, he has led an elected government. He is now the longest-serving non-Congress Prime Minister and has had the longest tenure leading an elected government, including his 12 years as Gujarat’s Chief Minister.
In 2014, under Modi’s leadership, the BJP won a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections, becoming the first party in over three decades to secure a majority on its own. Modi’s rise to power was seen as a shift towards strong leadership, with a focus on development and economic reforms. His message of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” resonated with the masses.
In 2019, the Modi-led BJP won a second consecutive term with an even larger majority. The election results solidified Modi’s position as a transformative leader, with his government being credited for initiatives like the GST, demonetisation, and schemes aimed at the welfare of the poor. Modi’s appeal to the people, coupled with his decisive leadership on national security and development, helped the BJP cross the 300-seat mark in the Lok Sabha. In 2024, Narendra Modi and the BJP once again clinched a resounding victory in the general elections, securing a third consecutive term. This win cemented Modi’s place as one of India’s most dominant political figures in modern history. Riding on the wave of national pride, economic growth, and social welfare schemes, his leadership continued to resonate deeply with voters across the country. His vision of a “New India” and focus on development, infrastructure, and international diplomacy proved pivotal in securing yet another historic mandate.
PM Modi has spent his entire life in service to the nation, dedicating himself to the goal of building a stronger and more united India. From his early days as a young boy helping his father sell tea, to his rise as the Prime Minister of India, Modi’s journey has been one of tireless dedication and hard work. His commitment to the nation is evident in every step he has taken, whether it was working as an RSS pracharak in his youth or later as a leader guiding India through economic, social, and global challenges.
PM Modi believes that a strong and self-reliant India can only be built through unity, development, and progress. He has shown an ability to inspire people across the country to dream big and work together for a better tomorrow. Whether it’s through the Make in India campaign, the push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), or other key initiatives, Modi’s dedication to building a prosperous and strong India remains at the heart of his mission.
On September 17, Modi turns 74, marking another milestone in a life dedicated to serving the nation. Throughout his journey, he has sacrificed many personal comforts and desires to focus solely on the well-being and progress of India. He gave up a regular family life and devoted all his energy to the dream of a prosperous India. His sacrifices inspire millions, showing that true leadership comes from a deep commitment to the people and the nation.
Bharat has never seen a leader like him — one who has consistently remained close to the underprivileged and the common man, even after reaching the highest office in the land. His dedication to improving the lives of those who often remain unheard has set him apart as a leader who not only listens to the underprivileged but actively works to uplift them.
The writer is the BJP MP from Mandi
