SHRI NARENDRA MODI : A JOURNEY FROM A COMMON TO THE PRIME-MINISTER OF INDIA.
Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, India. His family belonged to the Ghanchi community. Modi's childhood was modest, and he helped his father sell tea at the Vadnagar railway station. Despite facing financial challenges, he was known for his strong work ethic and passion for debates during his school days. Later, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and began his journey in politics.
Narendra Modi's parents are Damodar Das Mulchand Modi (father) and Heeraben Modi (mother). He has five siblings: three brothers—Soma, Amrut, and Prahlad, and two sisters—Vasantiben Hasmukhlal Modi and Pankaj Modi.
Narendra Modi joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his teenage years. He became an RSS pracharak, or full-time worker, dedicating himself to the organisation's activities. Modi's responsibilities within the RSS included organising events, conducting outreach, and participating in the ideological and cultural training provided by the organisation. His association with the RSS played a crucial role in shaping his political ideology and leadership style.
POLITICAL LIFE OF NARENDRA MODI IN GUJRAT:
Narendra Modi's political journey in Gujarat began with his active involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 1980s. Modi's rise in Gujarat's political landscape accelerated when he served as the General Secretary of the Gujarat BJP and later as the National Secretary of the BJP.
In 2001, he became the Chief Minister of Gujarat, succeeding Keshubhai Patel. Modi's tenure as Chief Minister was marked by economic reforms, infrastructure development, and emphasis on industrial growth. However, it was also marred by controversy, particularly regarding the handling of the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Modi continued to serve as the Chief Minister, winning subsequent elections in 2002, 2007, and 2012. His governance style attracted both praise and criticism. In 2014, he became the Prime Minister of India after leading the BJP to a decisive victory in the general elections. His time as Chief Minister of Gujarat played a crucial role in shaping his national political profile.
ACHIEVEMENT OF NARENDRA MODI AS A CHIEF-MINISTER OF GUJRAT:
As the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi implemented several initiatives and policies that were aimed at economic development, infrastructure improvement, and governance. Some notable achievements during his tenure include:
1. **Economic Growth:** Gujarat experienced significant economic growth during Modi's tenure. The state became one of the leading contributors to India's GDP, with a focus on industrialisation and attracting investments.
2. **Infrastructure Development:** Modi prioritised infrastructure projects, including roads, ports, and power generation. The state witnessed substantial improvements in its infrastructure, contributing to overall development.
3. **Agricultural Reforms:** Initiatives were undertaken to boost agricultural productivity and address issues faced by farmers. Schemes like Jyotigram Yojana aimed at providing reliable electricity supply to rural areas, benefiting agriculture.
4. **Industrial Policies:** Gujarat under Modi implemented business-friendly policies, attracting investments and fostering industrial growth. The state became a hub for industries such as petrochemicals, textiles, and manufacturing.
5. **Education and Skill Development:** Focus on education and skill development was evident through initiatives to enhance the quality of education and provide vocational training, contributing to human resource development.
6. **Gujarat Model:** The development model implemented in Gujarat during Modi's tenure, often referred to as the "Gujarat Model," became a subject of both praise and criticism. Proponents highlighted economic growth and development, while critics raised concerns about social indicators and inclusive growth.
It's important to note that opinions on Modi's achievements as Chief Minister are diverse, and discussions often consider various perspectives on economic development, governance, and social issues.
Narendra Modi's journey to become the Prime Minister of India involved several key phases:
1. **Political Rise in Gujarat:** Modi's political career gained momentum in Gujarat, where he served as the Chief Minister for multiple terms. His leadership was marked by economic development, but it was also shadowed by controversy, particularly related to the handling of the 2002 Gujarat riots.
2. **National Exposure:** Modi's increasing prominence led to his involvement in national politics. He served as a key campaigner for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in various states, contributing to the party's electoral success.
3. **2009 General Elections:** In the 2009 general elections, Modi's role extended beyond Gujarat as he campaigned in various parts of the country. However, the BJP did not secure enough seats to form the government, and the party faced criticism for its electoral performance.
4. **Chief Minister to Prime Ministerial Candidate:** Ahead of the 2014 general elections, the BJP announced Narendra Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. His campaign, centered around the slogan "Abki Baar Modi Sarkar" (This time, a Modi government), focused on economic development, good governance, and anti-corruption measures.
5. **2014 General Elections Victory:** The BJP, under Modi's leadership, secured a decisive victory in the 2014 elections. The party won a majority of seats, and Narendra Modi became the 14th Prime Minister of India.
6. **Re-election in 2019:** Modi's tenure as Prime Minister saw the implementation of various policies and initiatives. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP, led by Modi, secured a second consecutive term with a significant mandate.
STRUGGLE OF NARENDRA MODI TO BECOME PRIME-MINISTER OF INDIA AND HIS ACHIEVEMENTS:
Narendra Modi's journey from a state-level leader to the Prime Minister of India reflects his political acumen, communication skills, and ability to connect with voters. His campaigns emphasised development, national security, and anti-corruption, resonating with a considerable portion of the electorate.
As of my knowledge cutoff in January 2022, Narendra Modi's achievements as Prime Minister of India include various economic, social, and governance initiatives. Some notable achievements and initiatives during his tenure include:
1. **Goods and Services Tax (GST):** The introduction and implementation of GST aimed at simplifying India's indirect tax structure, promoting a unified national market.
2. **Demonetisation:** In 2016, Modi announced the demonetisation of high-denomination currency notes to curb black money, corruption, and counterfeit currency. The move generated significant debate and had various impacts on the economy.
3. **Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign):** An ambitious nationwide cleanliness campaign with the goal of achieving a clean and open-defecation-free India. It led to the construction of millions of toilets and a focus on hygiene and sanitation.
4. **Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):** A financial inclusion program aimed at providing banking services, insurance, and pension to the unbanked population.
5. **Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):** A scheme to provide free LPG (cooking gas) connections to women from below-poverty-line households, promoting clean cooking fuel and reducing indoor air pollution.
6. **Make in India:** An initiative to promote manufacturing and boost job creation in India by encouraging domestic and foreign investment.
7. **Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):** A health insurance scheme aiming to provide financial protection to over 100 million families for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
8. **Digital India:** A campaign to promote digital literacy and ensure that government services are made available to citizens electronically.
9. **Infrastructure Development:** Focus on infrastructure projects, including highways, railways, and urban development, to boost economic growth and connectivity.
10. **National Security Measures:** Modi's tenure saw a focus on national security, with initiatives like the surgical strikes in 2016 and the Balakot airstrike in 2019 in response to terrorist attacks.
It's important to note that assessments of Modi's achievements vary, and opinions on the impact of certain policies can be diverse. Additionally, developments beyond my last training data in January 2022 are not included in this response.
Narendra Modi's foreign policy as Prime Minister of India:
He has been characterised by a proactive and dynamic approach. Some key elements and features of his foreign policy include:
1. **Neighbourhood First:** Emphasising strong diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries, Modi's "Neighbourhood First" policy aims at fostering regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges.
2. **Act East Policy:** Building on the "Look East" policy, Modi rebranded it as the "Act East" policy, focusing on deeper engagement with East and Southeast Asian countries to enhance economic ties and strategic partnerships.
3. **Global Diplomacy:** Modi has actively engaged with major global powers, including the United States, Russia, China, and European nations, to strengthen bilateral relations and address global challenges.
4. **Economic Diplomacy:** Promoting economic diplomacy to attract foreign investment and enhance trade relations, with initiatives such as "Make in India" and efforts to improve the ease of doing business in India.
5. **International Organisations:** Active participation in international forums, such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), and SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), to contribute India's perspectives on global issues.
6. **Security and Defence Cooperation:** Strengthening defence ties with key partners and enhancing security cooperation to address common threats, including terrorism.
7. **Digital Diplomacy:** Leveraging technology and social media for diplomatic outreach, connecting directly with global audiences, and promoting India's interests on the international stage.
8. **Climate Change and Renewable Energy:** Commitment to addressing climate change, with a focus on promoting renewable energy and sustainable development.
9. **International Outreach:** Building personal relationships with world leaders through diplomatic visits and summits, contributing to India's influence on the global stage.
10. **Vaccine Diplomacy:** During the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi initiated "Vaccine Maitri," providing COVID-19 vaccines to various countries, showcasing India's role in global health and solidarity.
Modi's foreign policy has been marked by a proactive pursuit of India's interests on the world stage, seeking to elevate the country's global standing and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.