Narendra Modi is India’s most techno-savvy leader, actively engaging on social media platforms like Twitter (now X), Instagram, and YouTube to connect directly with citizens.
As India prepares to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on September 17, the nation reflects on the journey of a leader who has shaped modern India’s political and developmental landscape. Born on September 17, 1950, in the small town of Vadnagar in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, Modi rose from humble beginnings to become the 14th Prime Minister of India, serving since 2014. His tenure, marked by initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Swachh Bharat’, has focused on inclusive growth and last-mile delivery of services. This article delves into verified lesser-known facts about Modi’s life, drawn from official biographies and credible timelines, offering insights into the man behind the public persona. From his early struggles to his personal habits, these details highlight a life dedicated to public service.
Humble Origins: A Childhood Shaped by Hardship
Narendra Modi was born into a family belonging to the ‘Other Backward Class’ (OBC), a marginalized community, in a modest household without spare resources. His father, Damodardas Modi, was a street merchant, and young Narendra often helped sell tea at a local railway station and bus terminal to support the family. As the third of six children to Damodardas and Hiraba (Heeraben) Modi, he grew up in a single-story house measuring about 40 feet by 12 feet, learning the value of hard work early on. These initial hardships exposed him to the realities faced by common people, instilling a deep sense of empathy that later influenced his governance philosophy of ‘Antyodaya’—uplifting the last person in line.
Lesser-known is Modi’s adventurous spirit as a child. At around 13 or 14 years old, he participated in school plays to earn money for repairing a damaged wall, showcasing his resourcefulness. He was also enrolled in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) as a teenager, which honed his discipline and patriotic fervor. Another intriguing anecdote from his youth: Modi once brought home a baby crocodile he found, reflecting his curiosity about nature, though this was more of a youthful escapade than a defining trait. His family life included an arranged betrothal in line with Gujarati customs to Jashodaben Chimanlal Modi when he was 18 and she was 17, but he soon dedicated himself to public life, leading to their separation. Modi has often described this period as one that taught him resilience, balancing studies with family responsibilities in a resource-scarce environment.
Education: From Average Student to Lifelong Learner
Modi’s academic journey is not as widely discussed as his political achievements, but it reveals a determined individual. He completed his higher secondary education in 1967 and was known as an average student who excelled more in debates than in exams. Spending hours in the library, he developed a passion for reading that fueled his intellectual growth. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in political science from Delhi University in 1978 as an external student, followed by a Master of Arts (MA) from Gujarat University in 1983. This educational background in political science laid the foundation for his analytical approach to governance.
A lesser-known fact is that Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister born after the country’s independence in 1947, symbolizing a generational shift in leadership. His post-school years included a two-year period of wandering across India, staying in ashrams and exploring the Himalayas in his late teens, a phase of self-discovery that deepened his spiritual and nationalist inclinations. This solo travel, often overlooked, helped him connect with diverse cultures and reinforced his commitment to national unity.
Entry into Politics: Roots in RSS and the Emergency Era
Modi’s political foray began early, joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, on October 3, 1972. As a teenager, he had already affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the RSS’s student wing, setting up a local unit and demonstrating organizational skills. By 1971, he became a full-time RSS pracharak (campaigner), dedicating his life to the organization’s ideals of nation-building.
A pivotal lesser-known chapter is his role during the 1975-1977 Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Modi went underground to evade arrest, distributing anti-Emergency literature and organizing protests to restore civil liberties. This period of forced hiding honed his strategic thinking and activism. In 1987, he entered mainstream politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the organization secretary of its Gujarat unit, rising to national secretary by 1995. As Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014—the longest-serving in the state’s history—he introduced reforms like a dedicated Climate Change Department, a first in India, reflecting his early environmental focus. His administration’s response to the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, which killed over 20,000, led to his appointment as CM, where he implemented disaster management systems lauded internationally.
Personal Habits and Lesser-Known Traits
Beyond politics, Modi is a workaholic who sleeps only three to four hours a day, a habit he attributes to his disciplined lifestyle. He starts his day with yoga, which he credits for maintaining his physical and mental strength. A strict vegetarian, Modi enjoys writing and has authored books, including poetry in Gujarati that sequences events from the Emergency period. His love for photography is another hidden passion; he often captures moments during travels.
Modi is India’s most techno-savvy leader, actively engaging on social media platforms like Twitter (now X), Instagram, and YouTube to connect directly with citizens. He has been honored with the United Nations ‘Champions of the Earth Award’ for his environmental efforts, including launching the International Solar Alliance in 2018. Lesser-known is his role in the 1990 Ram Rath Yatra led by L.K. Advani, where he provided vital organizational support.
Legacy and Ongoing Contributions
As Prime Minister, Modi has overseen transformative programs like Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest healthcare scheme covering over 50 crore Indians, and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, providing direct income support to farmers. His foreign policy milestones include being the first Indian PM to visit Israel in 2017 and revitalizing ties with neighbors through initiatives like inviting SAARC leaders to his 2014 swearing-in. In 2024, after the NDA’s victory in the Lok Sabha elections, he continued prioritizing housing with sanctions for 3 crore additional homes under PM Awas Yojana.
Modi’s leadership has elevated India’s global standing, with economic reforms improving the Ease of Doing Business ranking from 142 in 2014 to 63 in 2019. His vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047 underscores his long-term commitment.