Born on September 17, 1950, in the small town of Vadnagar, Gujarat, Narendra Damodardas Modi came from modest roots. He helped his family run a tea stall in his youth and joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) early on, embracing its discipline and grassroots work ethic.

Modi’s political career took off when he entered the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the mid-1980s. By 2001 he had become Chief Minister of Gujarat. Over his three terms there, he developed a reputation for pro-business policies, infrastructure development, and decisive, sometimes controversial, leadership.

In 2014, Modi led the BJP to a sweeping victory and became Prime Minister, a role he retains after two re-elections. Under his governance, India has embarked on ambitious programs: Make in India, Digital India, dramatic infrastructure expansion, welfare schemes, and assertive foreign policy. He has also emphasized cultural revival, youth empowerment, and showcasing India’s global stature.

However, his tenure has not been without critics: concerns about religious polarization, the response to communal riots in Gujarat in 2002, and debates around civil liberties remain part of his legacy. 

Now at 75, Narendra Modi is widely regarded by supporters as shaping what many call “India’s Amrit Kaal” - a turning point in India’s history - and by critics as a deeply polarizing figure whose influence may endure long past his era.