Narendra Modi. Although Modi was elected by a landslide in 2014, he remains a controversial

figure in India. So, who is Narendra Modi?

Well, the 64-year old leader is known for his charisma, and inspiring speeches. Unlike

many of India’s previous Prime Ministers, who came from wealthy backgrounds, Modi was

born into poverty in a low caste. He helped his father sell tea at train stations, before

pursuing his political ambitions with a masters degree in political science. He is affiliated

with the RSS, a right-wing volunteer paramilitary group, and the conservative, Indian People’s

Party. Both of these organizations are closely affiliated, and endeavor to preserve Hindu

nationalism.

In 2001, he became the Chief Minister of the Gujarat state of India. He received praise

for encouraging outside investments, and mores tourism in the area. He also increased Gujarat’s

access to clean water and hydro-electric energy, by raising the height of the Narmada Dam . However,

by doing so, he was criticized for displacing thousands of villagers.

The most controversial event in his career came in 2002, during a major religious riot

in the state. Starting under uncertain circumstances, the riots left more than a thousand dead,

a majority of them Muslim. Modi, a Hindu, was accused of delaying government response

to the disaster, and exacerbating the crisis. However, Modi has maintained his innocence,

and later, the Supreme Court of India dismissed all charges against him due to lack of evidence.

Modi was re-elected 3 times as Chief Minister of Gujarat, until 2014, when he assumed the

position of Indian Prime Minister. During his most recent campaign, he promised to rejuvenate

the economy and give India more international clout.

So far, Modi has succeeded in cracking down on government corruption and red tape. He’s

also been a vocal presence in the United Nations and petitions for more inclusiveness within

their Security Council. Foreign policy is one of his strong points, and he’s secured

closer economic ties with the US, Australia, and Japan.

Yet despite his humble beginnings, he has yet to successfully address many lower caste

issues such as labor laws, sanitation, and education improvements. Additionally, the

laws that Modi HAS succeeded in passing, have been “small and far between”, according

to news sources.

But criticism aside, Modi maintains a solid popularity rating in India. A Gallup poll

in 2014 reported that 63% of Indian people “approve in the leadership of their country”.

This is up from 2013, when just 30% felt the same way. As India reaches a new era of global

prosperity, Modi may be the leader India needs to instill a positive national outlook for

the times ahead.

For an interesting look in how Modi is helping to save a traditional art, check out this

video from Seeker Daily. To learn about how powerful India is, check out the one below.

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