{
  "id": 7940758,
  "title": "Teachers, mother & people who shaped Modi's life",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/teachers-mother-people-who-shaped-modis-life",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T03:09:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/narendra-modi-greatest-teacher-mother-people-who-shaped-indian-prime-minister/articleshow/134300358.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister of India, is celebrating his 76th birthday. During this milestone year, it is worth reflecting on the key figures who have shaped his life and leadership. From humble beginnings in Vadnagar to becoming the head of a government, Modi's journey has been deeply influenced by a range of people and experiences beyond the political realm.\n\nModi's mother, Hiraba, played a significant role in moulding his character. She imparted timeless advice to him, urging him to work for the poor and never accept bribes. Modi has often spoken about the impact of this advice, which has guided his actions as a leader. Furthermore, his mother's simple, hardworking nature and concern for others have left an indelible mark on him.\n\nGrowing up in a modest household in Vadnagar, Modi was exposed to the challenges faced by ordinary people. He recounts his childhood as the \"University of Adversity,\" where he witnessed women traveling long distances to fetch water. This early experience instilled in him a sense of empathy and dedication to addressing the needs of the common people.\n\nOne of Modi's earliest and most influential teachers was Veljibhai Chaudhary. Chaudhary noticed Modi's talent and encouraged him to concentrate and explore his potential. This recognition of Modi's abilities rather than forcing him into a narrow academic path became a guiding principle for Modi throughout his life. He has since emphasized the importance of understanding and nurturing individual strengths in students and colleagues.\n\nSwami Vivekananda's writings also played a pivotal role in shaping Modi's worldview. At the age of 17, Modi embarked on a two-year journey across India, absorbing various cultures and gaining a deeper understanding of his country. Later, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and found a mentor in Lakshmanrao Inamdar, known as Vakil Saheb. Inamdar's guidance and leadership within the RSS provided Modi with a structured environment that influenced his later political career.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}