Poonam Sharma
PM Modi at 75: The Author and Poet
On his 75th birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not only being hailed as a political figure but also as a prolific writer and poet. Beyond his fame for game-changing policies, Modi has created an incredible literary corpus, surpassing even India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the body of books written.
A Literary Journey Sideways with Politics
Modi’s passion for writing began long before his political ascent. During his youth in Gujarat, he wrote poems and essays exploring nature, spirituality and patriotism. Over the decades, these writings evolved into full-fledged books in Gujarati, Hindi and English. His work spans poetry, children’s literature, reflections on governance and collections of speeches.
Prolific Output
While Nehru authored classics like Discovery of India and Glimpses of World History, and Indira Gandhi published collections of letters and speeches, Modi’s bibliography now stretches past two dozen titles. This includes poetry collections such as Aankh Aa Dhanya Chhe and Sakshi Bhaav, motivational works like Exam Warriors for students, and his widely read Jyotipunj, profiling mentors who shaped his ideological journey.
Blending Spirituality and Public Service
A defining feature of Modi’s literary style is its rootedness in Indian spirituality. His poems weave images of rivers, mountains and changing seasons with themes of sacrifice, duty and national pride. In his prose, Modi often reflects on governance as a form of service — echoing Gandhian ethics but with his own emphasis on efficiency and innovation.
Sharing Poetry with the Public
Unlike most public personalities who do not make their creative output public, Modi is quite open about sharing his poems through his social media websites. The posts — sometimes in Gujarati, sometimes translated — garner millions of interactions. At functions such as “Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath” at London’s Westminster Central Hall, he has expressed his passion for reading and writing and how these activities have helped him maintain his mental equilibrium amidst political stresses.
Signature Titles and Themes
Among Modi’s notable books are:
“Jyotipunj” — Profiles of leaders from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh who inspired him.
“Exam Warriors” — A motivational guide for students dealing with exam stress, recently adapted into multiple languages.
“A Journey of Courage” — An autobiographical reflection on his early life and political entry.
“Social Harmony” — Essays on caste, inclusion and rural development.
Poetry anthologies such as Sakshi Bhaav, Aankh Aa Dhanya Chhe, and Abode of Love.
Together, the books demonstrate a combination of inner reflection and public policy thinking, with an aim to motivate youngsters and assert India’s civilizational identity.
A Legacy of Reading Prime Ministers
India has had a tradition of literary-minded leaders. Nehru’s books remain foundational texts of Indian history, while Atal Bihari Vajpayee was known for his Hindi poetry. Modi fits squarely into this lineage but distinguishes himself by volume and the integration of his literary pursuits into his public persona. He positions writing not as a retreat from politics but as an extension of it.
The Political Significance of Modi’s Writing
Scholars note that Modi’s literary output strengthens his image as a leader connected to grassroots culture. By writing in Gujarati and Hindi and later translating into English, he bridges regional and national audiences. His books are also used in BJP cadres’ training and youth outreach, further embedding his ideas into the party’s organizational life.
Publishing and Accessibility
Most of Modi’s works are published by mainstream houses and are easily available online. His government has also promoted digital libraries, enabling his titles to reach international readers. The Prime Minister’s Office maintains a catalog of his publications, and many are now part of school libraries and competitive exam preparation lists.
Critics and Admirers
While admirers hail Modi’s writing as evidence of his multidimensional personality, critics see it as a carefully crafted public relations exercise. Nevertheless, even detractors acknowledge the discipline required to produce such a sustained body of work while holding India’s highest office.
An Enduring Cultural Footprint
As India marks Modi’s birthday, the focus on his poetry and prose highlights a less-discussed dimension of leadership. In an era dominated by quick soundbites and social media posts, Modi’s commitment to books — both writing and reading — underscores the enduring power of literature in shaping public life.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s journey as an author and poet stands as a testament to his multifaceted persona. By surpassing Nehru and Indira Gandhi in published works, he has etched an unusual distinction in India’s political history. Whether his books are read as political philosophy, self-help guides or poetry, they reveal a leader who sees words as an instrument of nation-building — a rare trait in contemporary politics.
