Heeraben Modi, the mother of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lived a life deeply intertwined with Indian politics and her family. Her passing in December 2022 marked the end of an era.

Wiki/Biography

Born on June 18, 1923, in Vadnagar, Mehsana, Gujarat, Heeraben Modi lived a long and impactful life, reaching the age of 99.

Family, Caste & Husband

She hailed from the Modh-Ghanchi community, categorized as an Other Backward Class (OBC) by the Indian government. Her husband, Damodardas Mulchand Modi, worked as a tea seller. Their marriage took place at a young age.

The couple had six children: five sons – Soma Modi, Pankaj Modi, Amrit Modi, Prahlad Modi, and Narendra Modi – and a daughter, Vasantiben Hasmukhlal Modi. Each son pursued diverse career paths; Soma worked in health, Pankaj in information, Amrit as a lathe machine operator, and Prahlad as a shop owner.

Political Inclination

While not actively involved in politics herself, Heeraben Modi’s influence was undeniable. Her unwavering support for her son Narendra’s political career was well-known. Her values and upbringing significantly shaped her son’s perspective.

The family’s association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is well-documented, and Heeraben’s presence at significant events highlighted her family’s political ties.

Death

In December 2022, Heeraben Modi experienced breathing difficulties. She was admitted to UN Mehta Hospital in Ahmedabad, where she passed away on December 30, 2022.

Facts

Several anecdotes illustrate Heeraben’s character and influence:

• Narendra Modi frequently sought his mother’s blessings before major events.
• Her advice to Narendra to avoid corruption (“Beta, kadi lanch na leis”) became a well-known example of her values.
• She lived in their ancestral home in Vadnagar before her husband’s death, and later resided with her son Pankaj.
• She visited Narendra’s official residence in 2016, an event that was widely publicized.
• Even at 99, she cast her vote in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
• Her image was used in a widely circulated (but ultimately fake) social media post urging people to vote for Narendra Modi.
• She received a saree as a gift from former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif – a reciprocal gesture after Modi gifted a shawl to Sharif’s mother.

Heeraben Modi’s life serves as a testament to the power of family values and their influence even at the highest levels of politics.

Key Dates in Heeraben Modi’s Life

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