Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India and an important figure in Indian politics. He was born on 17 September 1950 in Vadnagar, Gujarat. He became involved in public life at a young age and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Before becoming prime minister, he served as the chief minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. He became the prime minister of India for the first time on 26 May 2014. He was re-elected in 2019 and took the oath for his third consecutive term on June 9, 2024. His political career includes work at both the state and national level.
Narendra Modi Education
Narendra Modi completed his school education in Vadnagar. He later studied political science. He completed his Master’s degree in Political Science from Gujarat University. His education in political science was related to his later work in public life and politics.
Early Political Life
Narendra Modi has had an interest in public life from a young age. Later, he became associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and worked with the organisation for several years. He later became a full-time RSS worker and worked in different parts of Gujarat. In 1987, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat. He worked mainly on party organisation and election campaigns. His organisational work helped him take on bigger responsibilities in the party. Later, he worked at the national level and became an important BJP leader.
Narendra Modi as Chief Minister of Gujarat
Narendra Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujarat in October 2001. He served as the chief minister until May 2014. During his time as chief minister, his government worked on areas such as roads, electricity, agriculture, water supply, and development.
He also focused on improving administration and attracting investment to Gujarat. His long experience as Chief Minister helped him gain experience in governance and public administration. In 2014, he left the post of Chief Minister after becoming Prime Minister.
Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of India
Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India on 26 May 2014. He became Prime Minister after the BJP won the 2014 Lok Sabha election; he was elected for a second term in 2019. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, he became the Prime Minister for his third consecutive term and took the oath on 9 June 2024. During his time as Prime Minister, his government has worked on areas such as economic development, infrastructure, digital services, welfare schemes, and foreign relations. Some major government initiatives include Make in India, Digital India, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jan Dhan Yojana and Ayushman Bharat.
Major Achievements and Initiatives
Narendra Modi’s government has introduced several major schemes and programmes. These programmes have focused on areas such as banking, sanitation, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing and digital services.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana was launched to provide banking services to people who did not have access to a bank account. The scheme made it easier for people to open bank accounts and access different financial services. It became an important part of the government’s financial inclusion efforts.
Swachh Bharat Mission
The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on 2 October 2014. The main aim of the programme was to improve cleanliness and sanitation. It also focused on reducing open defecation and improving access to toilets.
Make in India
The Make in India programme was launched to encourage manufacturing and investment in India. The programme aims to increase manufacturing activities, encourage investment and create more employment opportunities.
Digital India
The Digital India programme was launched to improve the use of technology in government services. It aims to make government services more easily available through digital platforms. It has also supported the growth of digital services and online transactions.
Ayushman Bharat
Ayushman Bharat is a major healthcare programme launched by the government. It aims to provide health coverage to eligible families and reduce the financial burden of major medical treatment.
PM-KISAN
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, commonly known as PM-KISAN, was launched in 2019. The scheme provides financial support to eligible farmer families through direct payments. It aims to provide additional income support to farmers.
Goods and Services Tax
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in India in 2017. GST brought several indirect taxes under one tax system. It was introduced to create a more common and organised indirect tax system across the country.
Narendra Modi’s International Role
Narendra Modi has played an important role in representing India at international meetings and events. During his time as Prime Minister, India has focused on strengthening relations with different countries and increasing cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, climate change and security. India hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi in 2023 during its G20 Presidency. India also raised issues related to developing countries and the Global South during its G20 Presidency. The African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during the New Delhi Summit. Modi has also taken part in major international forums such as the G20, BRICS and United Nations meetings. His government has worked to strengthen India’s relationships with countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and other regions.
Awards and Recognition
Narendra Modi has received several awards and honours during his political career.
Some important awards include the Seoul Peace Prize, the United Nations Champions of the Earth Award, and the Order of Zayed from the United Arab Emirates. These honours were given for different areas of his work, including international relations and environmental initiatives.
Key Highlights for UPSC
These points are useful for quick revision. They cover Narendra Modi’s basic details, education, and important stages of his political career.
Particular | Details |
|---|
| Full Name | Narendra Damodardas Modi |
| Date of Birth | 17 September 1950 |
| Place of Birth | Vadnagar, Gujarat |
| Age | 76 years as of October 2026 |
| Education | Master’s degree in Political Science |
| University | Gujarat University |
| Political Party | Bharatiya Janata Party |
| Chief Minister of Gujarat | 2001 to 2014 |
| First became Prime Minister | 26 May 2014 |
| Second Term | 2019 to 2024 |
| Third Term | From 9 June 2024 |
| Major Schemes | Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India, Digital India, Ayushman Bharat and PM-KISAN |
| Major Tax Reform | Goods and Services Tax |
| Important International Event | G20 Leaders’ Summit, New Delhi, 2023 |
Conclusion
Narendra Modi is an important figure in Indian politics. He served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 and became the Prime Minister of India in 2014. He has served as Prime Minister for three consecutive terms. His political career includes work in state administration, national politics, and international relations. His government has introduced several major initiatives in areas such as digital services, healthcare, banking, cleanliness, and manufacturing.
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Who is Narendra Modi?
Narendra Modi is an Indian politician and the 14th Prime Minister of India. He first assumed office on 26 May 2014 and began his third consecutive term on 9 June 2024.
What is Narendra Modi’s educational qualification?
Narendra Modi completed his schooling in Vadnagar, Gujarat. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master’s degree in Political Science from universities in Gujarat.
When did Narendra Modi become the Prime Minister of India?
Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India on 26 May 2014, following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
How many times has Narendra Modi become Prime Minister?
Narendra Modi has become Prime Minister three times, beginning in 2014, returning for a second term in 2019, and taking the oath for his third consecutive term on 9 June 2024.
How long did Narendra Modi serve as Chief Minister of Gujarat?
Narendra Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from October 2001 until May 2014, before becoming Prime Minister of India.
What are the major schemes launched under Narendra Modi’s government?
Major initiatives introduced under Narendra Modi’s government include the Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Make in India, Digital India, Ayushman Bharat and PM-KISAN. GST was also implemented during his tenure.
What are Narendra Modi’s major awards and achievements?
Narendra Modi has received several national and international honours, including the Seoul Peace Prize in 2018, the United Nations Champions of the Earth award in 2018, and the Order of Zayed from the United Arab Emirates in 2019.