This article delves into the multifaceted life and leadership qualities of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, exploring the key qualities that have shaped his journey, from his early years in RSS to his transformative leadership as Chief Minister of Gujarat and later as the Prime Minister of India.
1. A Team Builder and Team Player
a) Team he built in Gujarat in the 1980s that changed the politics of India
In the 1980s, Narendra Modi played a pivotal role in building a strong grassroots network for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat, leveraging his ideological foundation in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His meticulous planning and detailed action had helped position the BJP as a significant political force in the state. In 1987, a 36-year-old Narendra Modi led the BJP's campaign for the AMC elections, a seemingly impossible task that led to a complete reversal of fortune for BJP. BJP managed to win two-thirds of the seats and the Mayor's office. As Gujarat BJP General Secretary, Modi bolstered the party's grassroots framework, paving the way for his success as Chief Minister and later as Prime Minister of India. His transformative leadership and ability to build high-performing teams consistently delivered impactful results in every role he undertook.
b) The science of building multidisciplinary, multi-generational teams across decades
From his early days in the RSS, he focused on nurturing leaders across various sectors, understanding that the key to success was not just mobilizing resources but also creating a framework of trust and commitment. During the BJP's rise, he built an efficient party organization that focused on both grassroots engagement and administrative effectiveness, ensuring that people from all walks of life were involved.
In the lead-up to the 2014 campaign, he harnessed the power of volunteers, tech-savvy youth, and seasoned technocrats, integrating them into a unified vision. He not only focused on modernizing the party's operations with cutting-edge technology but also made sure that experienced administrators worked seamlessly with young, passionate volunteers.
2. Empathy, Humility, and Humanity
c) Vaccine Maitri despite a global pandemic
Vaccine Maitri, launched by PM Modi, showcased India's global leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite domestic challenges, India prioritized sharing vaccines with neighboring nations and beyond, embodying a commitment to global solidarity and humanitarianism. Through this initiative, India provided nearly 300 million vaccine doses to less developed and vulnerable countries, many free of cost, ensuring no nation was left behind. This initiative highlighted India’s ability to balance national needs with international responsibilities, reaffirming its role in global health efforts.
d) Programs like Garib Kalyan Yojana, or Toilets
Under PM Modi's leadership, programs like Garib Kalyan Yojana and the Swachh Bharat Mission have become cornerstones of his government's welfare model.
The Garib Kalyan Yojana was a comprehensive relief package aimed at providing direct support to the poor and marginalized during the COVID-19 crisis. With food grains, direct cash transfers, and other essential supplies, it served as a lifeline for millions.
The Swachh Bharat Mission, one of the most significant initiatives of the Modi government, focused on sanitation and the provision of toilets in rural India, which not only improved public health but also empowered women and ensured dignity.
PM Modi's governance, rooted in empathy and humility, prioritizes the welfare of ordinary citizens and tackles pressing societal issues. The government's focus on direct action for the poor reflects its human-centered approach to development.
e) Anecdotes/ Instances of PM Modi Caring for Others
When former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela, a political rival, had health issues, PM Modi showed compassion by checking in on him personally and offering help. Even though they were from opposing parties, Modi’s gesture of goodwill was widely noted.
In April 2023, during a visit to Chennai, PM Modi met Thiru S. Manikandan, a differently-abled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker from Erode who serves as a booth president. Modi took a "special selfie" with Manikandan and acknowledged his dedication, noting that Manikandan runs his own shop and contributes a substantial part of his daily profits to the BJP.
During the emergency era, as an RSS swayamsevak he organised relief for families of jailed Swayamsevak and sustained the movement without seeking personal gain. Also organised their medical treatment and emotional reassurance, ensuring no one felt abandoned, thus keeping morale high across the Sangh.
Niral Jain from Gujarat shared a heartfelt experience about Narendra Modi's unwavering care and dedication as a party Karyakar. He recalled that in the early 80s, when he was down with a fever, Modi stayed up the entire night, personally taking care of him.
f) Gujarat Disaster Handling: Pre PM Era
After the 2001 Bhuj earthquake, Modi, as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, spearheaded extensive relief and reconstruction efforts, ensuring timely completion with a vision for the future. He introduced the Gujarat State Disaster Management Act in 2003, the first of its kind in India. Under his leadership, Kutch’s recovery flourished, with 300 companies establishing businesses in the region by 2011, transforming it into a hub for tourism and economic activities.
In the aftermath of the 1978 Morbi flood caused by the Machchu Dam collapse, Modi, as a Pracharak, led relief efforts. He mobilized 50 Swayamsevaks for rescue operations, cleared debris with 200 trucks, and provided medical care, food, and shelter. He also organized respectful cremations and innovative body retrieval methods, while engaging 1,000 youth through a Yuva Sammelan, promoting unity with the slogan "Morbi Hamara Hai."
3. Life Long Discipline
a) Personal traits
PM Modi's commitment to lifelong practices, like observing the Navratra fast and incorporating yoga, reflects his belief in holistic well-being. He follows the ancient tradition of Chaturmas, fasting for four months from mid-June to Diwali, eating just one meal in 24 hours, as digestion slows in the monsoon. During Navratri, he abstains from food, drinking only hot water for nine days, and follows Chaitra Navratri by eating just one fruit daily for nine days. His 18-hour work schedule highlights his dedication to his responsibilities and the nation's progress.
b) Gujarat Era
PM Modi’s early political and spiritual journey was deeply influenced by figures from the RSS, including Dr. K.B. Hedgewar and M.S. Golwalkar, who shaped his ideological foundation and vision to serve the nation. His admiration for Swami Vivekananda's teachings on youth empowerment and national pride further solidified his values. As Gujarat's Chief Minister, Modi was also mentored by leaders like Keshubhai Patel. Moreover, his approach to governance, focused on infrastructure and economic reforms, was uniquely shaped by both spiritual ideologies and practical political experiences.
c) Run up to 2014 PM candidate selection by BJP
In 2013, Narendra Modi's selection as the BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate marked a pivotal moment in Indian politics. At the BJP's National Executive meeting in Panaji, Goa, in June 2013, Modi was named Chairman of the Election Campaign Committee for the 2014 elections. Supported by RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat and BJP President Rajnath Singh, who recognized Modi's popularity, this move strengthened his position, leading to his formal nomination as the PM candidate in September 2013.
d) Travelling every corner of India:
PM Modi’s extensive travels across India, starting in the 1980s with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), have been instrumental in shaping his leadership and connecting with the grassroots. He ventured through remote areas of Gujarat and many other states, understanding local challenges. As Prime Minister, he continued this tradition, visiting even the most remote parts of India, from Kashmir to the Northeast, inaugurating key projects and promoting regional development—areas that previous political leaders often overlooked.
4. Unimpeachable Integrity
a) Keeping family away from politics
PM Modi has steadfastly kept his family out of politics, contrasting with many leaders who involve relatives in political or business ventures. A critic of dynastic politics, this choice underscores his commitment to integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest and focusing on public service. His mother, Heeraben, has been a constant source of inspiration, often praised by Modi for her influence on his life.
b) 25 years as head of Government – Not one scam – How?
Narendra Modi's tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for over 12 years (2001-2014) and subsequently as the Prime Minister of India (from 2014 onward) has been marked by his image of being free from corruption scandals. Despite holding significant political power for over two decades, Modi has faced no major corruption charges, which is a rarity in Indian politics, where scandals are often common. This unblemished record has been central to his political narrative of integrity and transparency.
His discipline, demonstrated by a simple lifestyle and a clear focus on public service, sets a strong example for his party and administration. Modi’s political approach is characterized by a commitment to governance and national development, prioritizing reforms like GST, Digital India, and Swachh Bharat over personal gain. Additionally, his administration has pursued strict anti-corruption measures, ending VIP culture, further reinforcing his image as a leader of unshakable integrity.
c) Saying No to Shortcuts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized the importance of integrity, hard work, and long-term vision over shortcuts in governance and personal growth. On many occasions, PM Modi stated that the country needed sustainable development and not "shortcut politics", and accused some political parties of trying to destroy the country's economy. Similarly, he also advised CMs of all states to work towards the welfare of people rather than populist shortcuts.
In fact, in the international domain also, PM Modi never hesitated to put forward the nation’s interest even if it contradicts the views of other major nations. This is evident in the recent instance where PM Modi contradicted U.S. President Donald Trump's account of mediating a ceasefire with Pakistan last month, according to an Indian statement released after a call between them.
5. A Life Long Student
a) Imbibe lessons from RSS senior leadership, including Balasaheb
Leaders at the RSS profoundly shaped Narendra Modi's intellectual and spiritual growth through their teachings, actions, and disciplined routines. His time with Balasaheb Deoras during the 1979 Morbi dam crisis was particularly formative, as Modi witnessed how Sangh principles could be applied to real-world service.
Other key figures like Eknath Ranade, Rajju Bhaiya, and Anantrao Kale taught Modi about the power of societal change through spiritualism, education, and grassroots activism. K.K. Shastri, another important mentor, inspired Modi with the values of a Karmayogi—someone who works tirelessly without expecting rewards. Shastri's example of working 18 hours a day became a model for Modi's discipline and leadership.
b) Bond with Vakil Sahab
At the age of 8, Narendra Modi met Laxmanrao Inamdar, commonly known as Vakil Saheb. Later on, Modi joined as a Balswayamsevak under Laxamnarao’s guidance. Paying tribute to the legacy of Vakil Saheb, Narendra Modi established an educational and cultural institute named Sanskar Dham in 1992. This institution imparts values and leadership skills to youth.
c) Exemplary experiential learning skills throughout life
From his early days in the RSS to his tenure as Gujarat's Chief Minister, and now as India's Prime Minister, he has demonstrated the ability to learn from diverse experiences. His hands-on approach, whether in grassroots politics or high-level diplomacy, showcases how experiential learning has shaped his leadership style and decision-making, continually driving innovation and progress.
