"a-person-standing-on-a-beach-at-sunset Narendra Modi, born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, rose from modest beginnings to become India's 14th Prime Minister. His early life was marked by humble origins; he was the third child of Damodardas and Hiraba Modi. As a young boy, he assisted his father in running a tea stall at the local railway station, an experience that grounded his understanding of the common man's challenges. In 1971, Modi became a full-time worker for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization. His dedication led the RSS to assign him to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1985, where he quickly ascended the party hierarchy, becoming general secretary. Modi's political prominence surged when he served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. During this period, he was credited with driving economic growth and development in the state, though his tenure was also marred by controversy, notably the 2002 Gujarat riots, which drew significant criticism. In 2014, Modi led the BJP to a historic victory in the national elections, becoming the first Prime Minister born after India's independence. His leadership has been characterized by ambitious economic reforms, including the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the controversial demonetization policy aimed at curbing black money. Additionally, Modi has emphasized digital infrastructure development and launched initiatives like "Make in India" to boost manufacturing. However, Modi's tenure has not been without criticism. His administration's Hindu nationalist policies have been accused of marginalizing minority communities, particularly Muslims. Concerns have also been raised about democratic backsliding, with allegations of suppressing dissent and undermining institutional checks and balances. Despite these controversies, Modi remains a dominant figure in Indian politics, securing a third consecutive term in 2024. His leadership continues to shape India's trajectory on both domestic and international fronts, reflecting a complex legacy of economic development intertwined with sociopolitical challenges. For a more in-depth look at Narendra Modi's life and political journey, you might find the following video informative: ©Kuleet"