Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come a long way – from a humble upbringing to leading a democratic nation comprising of 125 crore people. It is no easy task he is doing. On the eve of his birthday, we take a look at some interesting anecdotes from his life. (All images and facts from: narendramodi.in)
Narendra Modi belonged to the marginalized sections of society and had to struggle to make ends meet. His entire family lived in a small single storey house (approximately 40 feet by 12 feet).
As a child, Modi dreamt of serving in the Indian Army. He was was very keen to study in Sainik School located in nearby Jamnagar but when the time came to pay the fees, there was no money at home. He was disappointed but fate had different plans for him.
Modi's father sold tea at the tea stall he set up in the local Vadnagar railway station. In his early years, Modi too lent a hand to his father at the tea stall.
At a very young age, Modi had developed an inclination towards renunciation and asceticism. He gave up eating salt, chilies, oil and jaggery. Reading the works of Swami Vivekananda cover to cover took Narendra Modi to a journey of spiritualism.
Modi dreamt of a life that went beyond a conventional life, which starts in the classroom and ends in an office.
Since childhood, Modi had a penchant for debating and reading. He continues to mesmerise people with his speeches. Modi used to spend hours and hours reading in the school library.
In 1973, Modi participated in Navnirman movement, which led to the fall of then Congress government in the state. During the movement, Modi also got the opportunity to interact with Jayaprakash Narayan, a known crusader against corruption.
Narendra Modi with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Narendra Modi doesn't get time to watch movies but his favorite remains Dev Anand's Guide.
Story says that when floods wrecked havoc in the Tapi River, 9-year-old Modi and his friends started a food stall and donated the proceeds for relief work. When the war with Pakistan was at its peak, he set out on the railway station and served tea to Jawans.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his mother.
PM Narendra Modi plays drum with folk artists in Meghalya. Happy Birthday to him.
