Narendra Modi: Biography & Journey to Prime Minister

From a small town in Gujarat to leading the world's largest democracy — the life story of Shri Narendra Modi, India's Prime Minister since 2014.

Early life in Vadnagar

Narendra Damodardas Modi was born on 17 September 1950 in Vadnagar, a small town in Gujarat. He grew up in a family of modest means, and he has often spoken about helping his father sell tea at the local railway station as a boy. Those humble beginnings — far from privilege or political connections — are a central part of the story his supporters find so inspiring.

As a young man, Modi left home to travel and learn about the country before returning to Gujarat. He went on to earn a bachelor's and later a master's degree in political science.

A life in public service

Modi became a full-time organiser (pracharak) for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later moved into the organisational side of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Known for his discipline and tireless work ethic, he steadily rose through the party's ranks, earning a reputation as a sharp organiser and communicator.

Chief Minister of Gujarat (2001–2014)

In October 2001, Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Over more than a decade in office, he was re-elected several times and built a reputation for a development-focused, business-friendly style of governance — a period supporters often point to as the foundation of the "Gujarat model" of growth.

Prime Minister of India

In the 2014 general election, the BJP under Modi's leadership won a decisive mandate, and on 26 May 2014 he was sworn in as the 14th Prime Minister of India. He was re-elected with an even larger majority in 2019.

In 2024, Modi led his alliance to victory again and was sworn in for a historic third consecutive term on 9 June 2024 — making him only the second person, after Jawaharlal Nehru, to win three straight terms as India's Prime Minister.

Source: Prime Minister of India — official profile · Wikipedia: Narendra Modi

Vision: "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas"

A defining theme of Modi's leadership is the slogan "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas" — roughly, "together with all, development for all, the trust of all, the efforts of all." It captures a governance message of inclusive growth and citizen participation that runs through many of his flagship programmes.

On the world stage

As Prime Minister, Modi has become one of the most recognisable leaders in global affairs — championing India's proposal that led the United Nations to declare 21 June as the International Day of Yoga, and hosting the G20 Summit in New Delhi in 2023 during India's presidency. His large diaspora events abroad have drawn huge crowds of Indians living overseas.

Milestones at a glance

• 1950 — Born in Vadnagar, Gujarat.
• 2001 — Becomes Chief Minister of Gujarat.
• 2014 — Becomes Prime Minister of India; launches Swachh Bharat, Make in India & Jan Dhan Yojana.
• 2015 — Digital India launched; UN adopts the International Day of Yoga on India's initiative.
• 2019 — Re-elected with a bigger mandate.
• 2021 — India runs one of the world's largest COVID-19 vaccination drives.
• 2023 — India hosts the G20 Summit in New Delhi.
• 2024 — Sworn in for a historic third term as Prime Minister.