Big Take Asia The Rise of Modi, Part 1: Why India’s Leader Is So Popular – and Polarizing
May 14, 2024
Narendra Modi, the world's most popular politician, discusses his rise to power in India and the controversies surrounding him. Topics include Modi's humble beginnings, his alignment with Hindu-first ideology, the Ayodhya temple construction issue, the fallout from the 2002 religious violence, and how he became a dominant force in Indian politics.
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Modi's White House Visit
- Narendra Modi, India's Prime Minister, received his first official state visit to the White House last summer.
- This visit, marked by a vegetarian menu, was met with protests concerning human rights and religious freedoms in India.
Modi's Childhood
- Modi grew up in Vadnagar, Gujarat, where he helped his father with his tea cart business.
- He was religious as a child, frequently swimming across a lake to pray at a temple before school.
Modi Joins RSS
- As a teenager, Modi joined the RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization.
- The RSS promotes community service and a Hindu-first ideology, which captivated Modi.