In April 2015, an Indian farmer publicly committed suicide in protest of India’s prime minister,
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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