Narendra Modi - Biography

 Here’s a fairly comprehensive biography of Narendra Modi—his early life, education, political career, policies, controversies, and current work. If you want a shorter summary, or focus on certain parts (for example Gujarat, or his PM terms), I can tailor that.

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Early Life & Family

Full name: Narendra Damodardas Modi 

Born: 17 September 1950 

Place: Vadnagar, in Mehsana district, Gujarat (then Bombay State) 

Parents: Damodardas Mulchand Modi (father) and Hiraben Modi (mother) 

Siblings: He was the third of six children. 

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Childhood, Schooling & Early Influences

The family was modest; his father ran a tea stall, and young Narendra helped in the family tea stall at Vadnagar railway station. 

His school teachers described him as an average student academically, though he was interested in debates, theatre, reading, and was intellectually curious. 

He completed higher secondary schooling in Vadnagar in 1967. 

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Education

1978: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from School of Open Learning, Delhi University. 

1983: Master of Arts in Political Science from Gujarat University (via distance learning) with first class. 

There has been some public discussion and controversy about details of his BA & MA degrees (subjects, evidence etc.) but institutions (e.g. Delhi University) have validated some claims. 

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Early Political Life

He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the early 1970s. The RSS is a major Hindu nationalist volunteer organization, which has been influential in his ideology & political path. 

For some time, he worked in the RSS, building organisational experience. 

In 1987, he formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 

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Chief Minister of Gujarat

Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat in October 2001. 

He held the post until May 2014. This is one of the longest tenures for a CM. 

During this time, Gujarat under him was credited by supporters for relatively good infrastructure development, growth in certain sectors, industrial investments, etc. Critics have pointed to some issues too (social, environmental, etc.). 

One of the major controversies during his Chief Ministership was the 2002 Gujarat riots—mass violence between Hindus and Muslims following the Godhra train burning incident. Modi has been accused by some of not doing enough to stop the violence. Different investigations have occurred; legal and political debates continue. 

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Rise to Prime Minister

Modi was chosen as BJP’s candidate for Prime Minister ahead of the 2014 general elections. 

In the 2014 general elections, BJP under Modi’s leadership won an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, and he took oath as Prime Minister on 26 May 2014. 

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As Prime Minister (2014 – Present)

First Term (2014–2019)

Some important policies and actions:

Swachh Bharat (Clean India Mission) – nationwide campaign for hygiene, cleanliness and eliminating open defecation. 

Make in India – to boost manufacturing and attract foreign investment. 

Digital India, Jan Dhan Yojana (financial inclusion) etc. 

Major economic reforms: In 2016, demonetization of ₹500 and ₹1000 banknotes (to address black money, counterfeiting) 

Implementation of Goods & Services Tax (GST) in 2017, to unify indirect tax structure across states. 

Second Term (2019–2024) & Third Term (2024 – Present)

Re‑elected in 2019 with a strong majority. 

Continued focus on infrastructure development, welfare schemes, health care (e.g. Ayushman Bharat), electrification, electrics and connectivity, etc. 

Important symbolic and religious/historical initiatives: For example, in 2023‑24 the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was consecrated (Pran Pratishtha ceremony) as a major event. 

In 2024 elections, BJP by itself did not win an absolute majority—but the BJP-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) obtained enough seats to form government, so Modi began a third consecutive term as Prime Minister. 

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Ideology, Style & Public Image

Ideologically associated with Hindu nationalism, with roots in RSS. 

Emphasis on development, good governance, accountability, administrative efficiency. Also uses strong messaging, strong public appearances, mass communication. 

A very visible leader, often involved in personal diplomacy abroad; a major figure in foreign policy as PM. 

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Controversies & Criticism

The 2002 Gujarat riots remain a major point of debate, criticism, and legal review. 

Some of his policies have been critiqued for being top‑down, for creating disruption (for example the demonetization policy had mixed responses), for concerns about religious minorities, free speech, dissent, environmental concerns, etc. 

Questions and debates around the implementation of some schemes, inequalities, etc. As with many leaders in high office, both praise and criticism.

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Achievements & Recognition

Under his leadership, India has seen significant growth in infrastructure, connectivity (roads, rural electrification), improvements in ease of doing business. 

Poverty reduction: reports show multidimensional poverty has been reduced in recent years under schemes of central government. 

International recognition: Modi has received honours, participated in numerous diplomatic initiatives, increased India’s visibility globally. 

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Personal Life

Spouse: Jashodaben Chimanlal Modi. The marriage was arranged when he was young; however, they have been largely living separately. Modi has described himself often as dedicated primarily to public life. 

Modi comes from an Other Backward Class (OBC) background in Gujarat. 

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If you like, I can prepare a timeline of major events in his life (dates) or compare his different PM terms. Which would you prefer?