MODI TSUNAMI: The tidal wave of change
Modi’s charisma has grown into a tidal wave. The world gazes in awe as the Prime Minister of India unravels his genius every day. In celebration of this legendary man, Indian Weekender brings you this special feature to help you know the man a little better. We begin with some quick facts on Modi, followed by the laurels he gathered on his trip to the US, the style icon that he has become and the heart that he wears on his sleeve
QUICK FACTS
FULL NAME: Narendra Damodardas Modi
OCCUPATION: Prime Minister of India
BIRTH DATE: September 17, 1950 (age 64)
EDUCATION: Delhi University, Gujarat University
PLACE OF BIRTH: Vadnagar, India
ZODIAC SIGN: Virgo
NarendraModi is best known for rising from humble beginnings to become Prime Minister of India.
“I am a very optimistic man, and only an optimistic man can bring optimism in the country.”
—NarendraModi
Narendra Modi grew up poor in northern India. He entered politics as a youth and quickly rose through the ranks of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu nationalist political party. In 2014 he was elected Prime Minister of India.
His Early Life
Narendra Modi was born in the small town of Vadnagar, in northern Gujarat, India. His father was a street merchant who struggled to support the family. Young Narendra and his brother sold tea near a bus terminal to help out. Though an average student in school, Modi spent hours in the library and was known as a strong debater. In his early teens, he joined Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist political party.
Modi married at 18 but spent little time with his bride and eventually ended the marriage. He dedicated his life to politics in Gujarat, joining the RSS in 1971. During the 1975-77 political crisis, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency, banning political organizations such as the RSS. Modi went underground and wrote a book, Sangharsh ma Gujarat (Gujarat in Emergency), which chronicles his experiences as a political fugitive. In 1978, Modi graduated from Delhi University with a degree in political science and completed his master’s work at Gujarat University in 1983.
In 1987, Narendra Modi joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His rise through the ranks was rapid, as he wisely chose mentors to further his career. He promoted privatization of businesses, small government and Hindu values. In 1995, Modi was elected BJP national secretary, a position from which he successfully helped settle internal leadership disputes, paving the way for BJP election victories in 1998.
In February 2002, while Modi served as chief minister of Gujarat, a commuter train was attacked. In retaliation, an attack was carried out on the neighbourhood of Gulbarg. Violence spread, and Modi imposed a curfew granting police shoot-to-kill orders. After peace was restored, Modi’s government was criticized for the harsh crackdown.
Narendra Modi was re-elected chief minister of Gujarat in 2007 and 2012. Through those campaigns, he spoke more about economic growth. He is credited with bringing prosperity and development to Gujarat and is seen as a corruption free and efficient administrator.
In June 2013, Modi was selected to head the BJP’s 2014 election campaign to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s Parliament), while a grassroots campaign was already in place to elect him Prime Minister. Modi campaigned hard, portraying himself as a pragmatic candidate capable of turning around India’s economy. In May 2014, he and his party were victorious, taking 282 of the 534 seats in Lok Sabha. The victory marked a crushing defeat to the Indian National Congress, which had controlled Indian politics for most of the previous 60 years, and sent a message that India’s citizens were behind an agenda of radical change.
Madness in Madison
The world watched as the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi connected with thousands of rapturously cheering Indian diaspora at Madison Square Garden in New York, promising them he would deliver on the electoral promise of a resurgent India and urged them to join in the mass movement to work for their country. Addressing a 20,000-strong crowd at the venue - that has seen former US Presidents and rock stars take to the stage but never an Indian politician - and also thousands watching the event live outside on giant screens, and millions back home and around the world on TV and internet, Modi announced relief measures for the diaspora, including lifelong visas for Persons of Indian Origin cardholders and the merger of the PIO and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) schemes with a new scheme to be announced soon.
Speaking in his unique style in Hindi for almost an hour, and attired in cream kurta-pyjama and a light orange jacket, Modi praised the Indian diaspora for its contribution to IT, saying India was no longer considered a land of snake charmers but of software wizards. “Our forefathers maybe would play with snakes, but we play with the mouse (computer mouse),” he said, to wild cheers.
He played on people’s heartstrings as the crowd chanted “Modi, Modi” throughout his speech, the Prime Minister said his government will not leave any stone unturned to fulfil the expectations of the people. He promised that he would never do anything to let them down. The crown erupted as Modi stated that the 21st Century is our century.
He said India is at an opportune cusp of circumstances, blessed with a vibrant democracy, with 65 percent of its people under the age of 35, and a market of 1.25 billion people and will scale new heights in the near future. “These three things are present in one country; this is not there anywhere else in the world. And on the basis of this India will cross new heights - it is my belief,” said Modi as the crowd chanted, clapped and cheered every time the Prime Minister made a good point and appealed to their patriotism.
He proposed that the diaspora should join in the efforts to rebuild the country, a “vikas jan andolan” or a mass movement for development - in helping in any way they could. Referring to the skill development that his government has launched for the youth, he said his government has created a skill development ministry and would invite other countries to join in the effort.
He also referred to the Make in India campaign the government launched ahead of his US visit to invite investments and to manufacture in India as also the sanitation campaign to make a Clean India, a movement which he said would gladden the hearts of Indians abroad who often get turned away by India’s pervasive squalor.
He asked the Indian diaspora to connect with him directly online and also asked them to join in the endeavour to clean the Ganga river. Modi announced visa-free arrival for US tourists in India and that Indian missions in the US would grant long term visas to US citizens, which was widely welcomed by the Indian Americans.
Prime Minister Modi spoke from a revolving stage to the 20,000 strong audience, the tickets for which had been sold out days ago. Amongst the audience were also the Manhattan crème de la crème and numerous members of the Congress who were awed at the power and popularity that this one man commands.
Indian Weekender spoke to some leading Indians who were in attendance that day and we have also received some pictures clicked at the venue (courtesy of Roshni Media Group, New York)
An excited president of the Roshni Media Group, Mani Kamboj, stated, “He is a complete Rockstar – so inspirational. The entire Indian Diaspora is here and are thrilled!”
The CEO and founder of Kamteil Software, Nish Kamboj, stated, “Inspiring, exhilarating and a new path to India! I am so happy to be here.”
Kamna Misra, director, Research and Development at Celvive, stated, “What positive vibes. An indication of the future of Indo-American business alliance.”
Modi’s charisma has grown into a tidal wave. The world gazes in awe as the Prime Minister of India unravels his genius every day. In celebration of this legendary man, Indian Weekender brings you this special feature to help you know the man a little better. We begin with some quick facts on Modi,...
Modi’s charisma has grown into a tidal wave. The world gazes in awe as the Prime Minister of India unravels his genius every day. In celebration of this legendary man, Indian Weekender brings you this special feature to help you know the man a little better. We begin with some quick facts on Modi, followed by the laurels he gathered on his trip to the US, the style icon that he has become and the heart that he wears on his sleeve
QUICK FACTS
FULL NAME: Narendra Damodardas Modi
OCCUPATION: Prime Minister of India
BIRTH DATE: September 17, 1950 (age 64)
EDUCATION: Delhi University, Gujarat University
PLACE OF BIRTH: Vadnagar, India
ZODIAC SIGN: Virgo
NarendraModi is best known for rising from humble beginnings to become Prime Minister of India.
“I am a very optimistic man, and only an optimistic man can bring optimism in the country.”
—NarendraModi
Narendra Modi grew up poor in northern India. He entered politics as a youth and quickly rose through the ranks of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu nationalist political party. In 2014 he was elected Prime Minister of India.
His Early Life
Narendra Modi was born in the small town of Vadnagar, in northern Gujarat, India. His father was a street merchant who struggled to support the family. Young Narendra and his brother sold tea near a bus terminal to help out. Though an average student in school, Modi spent hours in the library and was known as a strong debater. In his early teens, he joined Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist political party.
Modi married at 18 but spent little time with his bride and eventually ended the marriage. He dedicated his life to politics in Gujarat, joining the RSS in 1971. During the 1975-77 political crisis, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency, banning political organizations such as the RSS. Modi went underground and wrote a book, Sangharsh ma Gujarat (Gujarat in Emergency), which chronicles his experiences as a political fugitive. In 1978, Modi graduated from Delhi University with a degree in political science and completed his master’s work at Gujarat University in 1983.
In 1987, Narendra Modi joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His rise through the ranks was rapid, as he wisely chose mentors to further his career. He promoted privatization of businesses, small government and Hindu values. In 1995, Modi was elected BJP national secretary, a position from which he successfully helped settle internal leadership disputes, paving the way for BJP election victories in 1998.
In February 2002, while Modi served as chief minister of Gujarat, a commuter train was attacked. In retaliation, an attack was carried out on the neighbourhood of Gulbarg. Violence spread, and Modi imposed a curfew granting police shoot-to-kill orders. After peace was restored, Modi’s government was criticized for the harsh crackdown.
Narendra Modi was re-elected chief minister of Gujarat in 2007 and 2012. Through those campaigns, he spoke more about economic growth. He is credited with bringing prosperity and development to Gujarat and is seen as a corruption free and efficient administrator.
In June 2013, Modi was selected to head the BJP’s 2014 election campaign to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s Parliament), while a grassroots campaign was already in place to elect him Prime Minister. Modi campaigned hard, portraying himself as a pragmatic candidate capable of turning around India’s economy. In May 2014, he and his party were victorious, taking 282 of the 534 seats in Lok Sabha. The victory marked a crushing defeat to the Indian National Congress, which had controlled Indian politics for most of the previous 60 years, and sent a message that India’s citizens were behind an agenda of radical change.
Madness in Madison
The world watched as the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi connected with thousands of rapturously cheering Indian diaspora at Madison Square Garden in New York, promising them he would deliver on the electoral promise of a resurgent India and urged them to join in the mass movement to work for their country. Addressing a 20,000-strong crowd at the venue - that has seen former US Presidents and rock stars take to the stage but never an Indian politician - and also thousands watching the event live outside on giant screens, and millions back home and around the world on TV and internet, Modi announced relief measures for the diaspora, including lifelong visas for Persons of Indian Origin cardholders and the merger of the PIO and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) schemes with a new scheme to be announced soon.
Speaking in his unique style in Hindi for almost an hour, and attired in cream kurta-pyjama and a light orange jacket, Modi praised the Indian diaspora for its contribution to IT, saying India was no longer considered a land of snake charmers but of software wizards. “Our forefathers maybe would play with snakes, but we play with the mouse (computer mouse),” he said, to wild cheers.
He played on people’s heartstrings as the crowd chanted “Modi, Modi” throughout his speech, the Prime Minister said his government will not leave any stone unturned to fulfil the expectations of the people. He promised that he would never do anything to let them down. The crown erupted as Modi stated that the 21st Century is our century.
He said India is at an opportune cusp of circumstances, blessed with a vibrant democracy, with 65 percent of its people under the age of 35, and a market of 1.25 billion people and will scale new heights in the near future. “These three things are present in one country; this is not there anywhere else in the world. And on the basis of this India will cross new heights - it is my belief,” said Modi as the crowd chanted, clapped and cheered every time the Prime Minister made a good point and appealed to their patriotism.
He proposed that the diaspora should join in the efforts to rebuild the country, a “vikas jan andolan” or a mass movement for development - in helping in any way they could. Referring to the skill development that his government has launched for the youth, he said his government has created a skill development ministry and would invite other countries to join in the effort.
He also referred to the Make in India campaign the government launched ahead of his US visit to invite investments and to manufacture in India as also the sanitation campaign to make a Clean India, a movement which he said would gladden the hearts of Indians abroad who often get turned away by India’s pervasive squalor.
He asked the Indian diaspora to connect with him directly online and also asked them to join in the endeavour to clean the Ganga river. Modi announced visa-free arrival for US tourists in India and that Indian missions in the US would grant long term visas to US citizens, which was widely welcomed by the Indian Americans.
Prime Minister Modi spoke from a revolving stage to the 20,000 strong audience, the tickets for which had been sold out days ago. Amongst the audience were also the Manhattan crème de la crème and numerous members of the Congress who were awed at the power and popularity that this one man commands.
Indian Weekender spoke to some leading Indians who were in attendance that day and we have also received some pictures clicked at the venue (courtesy of Roshni Media Group, New York)
An excited president of the Roshni Media Group, Mani Kamboj, stated, “He is a complete Rockstar – so inspirational. The entire Indian Diaspora is here and are thrilled!”
The CEO and founder of Kamteil Software, Nish Kamboj, stated, “Inspiring, exhilarating and a new path to India! I am so happy to be here.”
Kamna Misra, director, Research and Development at Celvive, stated, “What positive vibes. An indication of the future of Indo-American business alliance.”
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