PrintFriendlyAmid international, regional, and bilateral tensions, India’s development story under the extraordinary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not only astonished strategists worldwide but also given them hope that future global crises may find solutions in India. By maintaining equanimity in times of peace, war, and disaster, Prime Minister Modi has presented precise and targeted strategies that have further strengthened global trust in India.
Narendra Modi’s life story is an inspiring saga of struggle, perseverance, and dedication. He is a leader who has given India a new direction through his unparalleled leadership and towering personality. His vision, leadership, and deep public support have established him as one of the most influential leaders of our time. Firm in his decisions and tireless in his efforts, he works relentlessly to achieve his goals.
As Prime Minister, he has launched several ambitious initiatives—such as Make in India—aimed at transforming India into a ‘Viksit Bharat’. His popularity, widespread public support, and extraordinary personality have enabled him to implement even the toughest decisions with confidence.
Narendra Modi’s towering stature is a reflection of his vision, leadership, and the trust reposed in him by the people. Having faced and overcome numerous challenges throughout his life, he stands as a symbol of strong will, determination, and optimism for India’s future.
Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, a small town in Gujarat, to Damodar Das Mulchand Modi and Hiraben. His father ran a tea stall, and the family lived a modest life. Modi completed his schooling in Vadnagar and later earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Gujarat University. As a student, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), where he began his journey in public life. His entire life has been defined by selfless service—a spirit that continues to guide him even today, as he occupies the highest office in the world’s largest democracy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s influence on the Indian public is both profound and far-reaching. His popularity and political acumen remain unparalleled in many respects. An effective orator, he has the ability to inspire and move people with his words. As a skilled political strategist, he has leveraged widespread public support to take bold steps in reforming India’s economy, including the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetization—measures that have contributed to strengthening the nation’s economic foundations.
Public support for his vision is also evident in campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, both of which gained nationwide participation. Through platforms such as Mann Ki Baat, where he narrated the story of a humble village laborer, or by personally congratulating frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis, Modi has consistently highlighted that every contribution, no matter how small, holds value.
During the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic, his greatest strength lay in sustaining public morale—not only through administrative measures but also by deeply understanding the Indian psyche. In a time of fear and insecurity, he ignited collective energy through cultural connections and symbolic actions. His call for Thali Bajao and Tali Bajao reflected an awareness of India’s cultural tendency to use sound and ritual as expressions of unity and resilience. This approach echoed Mahatma Gandhi’s use of the spinning wheel as a simple yet powerful symbol of the Swadeshi movement.
Similarly, initiatives such as Vocal for Local, promoting Indian handicrafts on the global stage, and integrating state-level initiatives with central government schemes exemplify his vision of combining tradition with modern development.
Narendra Modi has emerged as a strong global leader. His approach to the U.S. tariff issue, where he prioritized India’s national interests, demonstrated to the world that the country is unwilling to compromise on its core priorities. The Prime Minister also possesses a unique ability to build rapport between nations. Former U.S. President Barack Obama once praised his work ethic, remarking that Modi seems to work “24 hours a day” for the country—a statement that reflects his extraordinary efficiency and dedication.
Through his foreign policy and diplomatic initiatives, Modi has elevated India’s role on the global stage. He has placed particular emphasis on strengthening ties with countries of the Global South, while also amplifying India’s voice on international platforms such as the United Nations and the G20. His focus on economic diplomacy has expanded trade and investment opportunities, while his promotion of cultural diplomacy—through initiatives like the global promotion of yoga and Ayurveda—has deepened India’s soft power and strengthened relations with nations worldwide.
While being in his seventies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains on par with today’s youth in his embrace of technology. A strong believer in innovation, he has consistently encouraged new ideas, which is why, under his decade-long leadership, India has emerged as the nation with the largest number of startups in the world.
He is perhaps the only global leader who prioritizes direct communication with the public. His monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat and his interactive program Pariksha Pe Charcha with students are shining examples of this approach, both leaving a deep and widespread impact on society.
Initiatives such as Khelo India, to promote sports, and Drone Didi, to empower women, highlight his vision of driving change at the grassroots level. Furthermore, by directly connecting with citizens through the NaMo App and by engaging the Indian diaspora in the nation’s development, he has not only strengthened domestic participation but also enhanced India’s soft power on the global stage.
In the Ramcharitmanas, Goswami Tulsidas, while describing the character of King Janak, writes: “Atulit Dhanyaya Siya Ram Ke Jaai, Rajsabha Binu Savad Suhai.” This means that Raja Janak, though a king, lived like an ascetic, valuing knowledge and detachment over worldly comforts.
In a podcast with Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi echoed a similar philosophy when he said, “Contentment is always born from the womb of the spirit of giving.” He is a living embodiment of this spirit of a karmayogi. From his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat to his role as Prime Minister, he has been known for leading a disciplined and simple life.
Even after assuming the highest office, Shri Modi continues to practice yoga and meditation, maintaining a healthy lifestyle rooted in simplicity. Deeply spiritual, he draws inspiration from great leaders such as Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. His ascetic spirit is reflected not only in his personal life but also in his approach to leadership and service to the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a dedicated patron of Indian culture, working tirelessly to promote its richness and diversity. He frequently highlights the greatness of India’s cultural heritage in his speeches and actively encourages artists and cultural practitioners.
His personal interest in the arts is evident in his occasional performances on traditional instruments—such as the Sarinda from Assam, the Nangra, a drum-like instrument associated with the Banjara culture of Maharashtra, as well as instruments played with tribal artists and local musicians from Uttarakhand. These moments reflect not only his appreciation for music but also his commitment to celebrating and preserving India’s cultural traditions.
Narendra Modi’s sensitivity also finds expression in his identity as a literary figure and poet. He has authored numerous books and poems that reflect his thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. In 2007, he released his poetry collection Aankh Aa Dhanya Chhe in Mumbai, with Bhairon Singh Shekhawat as the chief guest. On that occasion, Shekhawat remarked, “When Modi asked me to release the book, I thought he was joking. I couldn’t believe he wrote poetry. I’m sorry, Modiji, I never imagined you possessed such a tender side. Today, I see that your personality is a wonderful blend of toughness and tenderness.”
Similarly, respected Shri Mohan Bhagwat described Jyotipunj by saying, “This is not a book, it’s an experience.” Modi’s Jyotipath poetry collection, along with his inspirational book on exams, Exam Warriors, continue to motivate and guide readers across generations.
The life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi serves as an inspiration to all who work in politics and society. May he be blessed with a long and healthy life.
{The writer is BJP National Jt. General Secretary (Organisation)}