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Nadiad
—  city  —
Santram Mandir, Nadiad during Dev Diwali Celebration in 2008
Nadiad
Coordinates: 22°42′N 72°52′E / 22.7°N 72.87°E / 22.7; 72.87Coordinates: 22°42′N 72°52′E / 22.7°N 72.87°E / 22.7; 72.87
Country	India
State	Gujarat
District	Kheda
Government
• Mayor
Elevation	35 m (115 ft)
Population (2001)
• Total	192,799
Languages
• Official	Gujarati, Hindi
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	387 001,387 002
Telephone code	0268
Vehicle registration	GJ-7
Website	www.nadiad.co www.mynadiad.com www.nadiad.co

Nadiad (Gujarati:નડીયાદ, Hindi:नडीयाद) is a city and an administrative center of the Kheda district in the Indian state of Gujarat.

The city is famous for its socio-educational-religious humanitarian services led by Santram Mandir and supported by institutions of higher learning such as Dharamsinh Desai University, Muljibhai Patel Patel Urological Hospital (www.mpuh.org) - popularly known as Nadiad Kidney Hospital offers 3-year DNB Super Specialty Courses; Muljibhai Patel Society for Research in Nephro-Urology; Jayaramdas Patel Academic Centre (JPAC); Mission Heart Institute, Mahagujarat Hosptial and Heart Center, and the Civil Hospital.

MPUH is the first hospital in India to introduce Robotic HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) for least invasive, non-surgical treatment for prostate cancer, the first hospital in India to introduce Prostate HistoScanning, and the first hospital in Gujarat to introduce the latest da Vinci Si Robot for kidney, bladder and prostate cancer surgery. MPUH has also become the first hospital in Gujarat (and fourth in India) to have won the prestigious Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC) Ramkrishna Bajaj National Quality Trophy 2011 which is modeled on the lines of Malcolm Baldrige Criteria of USA. Like Amul has become synonymous with Anand town, the Nadiad Kidney hospital has become synonymous with Nadiad. MPUH and JPAC are frequented by visitors from all over the world. The Vaniavad junction, which comes under the historic national 'Dandi March heritage Corridor', has been aptly named as the 'KIDNEY CIRCLE'. The Medical Director and Managing Trustee of MPUH, Dr Mahesh Desai, MS, FRCS (London), FRCS (Edinburgh) is also the President of the Society Internationale d' Urologie (SIU), and the President-elect of the world Endo-urological Society.

An extraordinary example of the socio-religious humanitarian service was the Santram Nagar, (Navaguam) Kutch project.^[1] After the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake, Santram Mandir; in partnership with Gujarat Government; built the brand new town in less than a year to resettle thousands of people affected by the calamity.

History of Establishment[link]

The city of Nadiad is said to have been settled by rope dancers, hence the historical name of "Natapadra" (outskirts of/for nata-s) or "Natpur" (city for nata-s). It is also referred to as 'Nandgam'. The city has nine routes, and on each route there is a step well. The city is also well known for the number 9: there are 9 villages or towns located to all the 9 roads that exit from Nadiad; 9 step wells around the city; and 9 lakes in the city. Nadiad was also known as 'Shakshar Bhumi' - The land of educated.

Nadiad is home to many famous poets and authors such as Jhaverchand Meghani, Ambalal Purani, and Mahadevbhai Desai. The city was formerly ruled by Muslims, and later on by the Gayakwad of Baroda. Malhar Rao Gayakwad built the first Hindu temple called Narayan Dev Mandir located in the center of the city.

Vikram Samvat 1213, about 1156AD, the first Patidar named Jesti Patel, the forefather of Patidars of Kakarkhad, Alhadvago, Ratanji Hirji and Lakhawad. Kheta Patel who came to Nadiad in Samvat 1516. History of the Patidars is the witness of how some of the Patidars becomes Desai. A place in Nadiad has been known as "Desaivago" (Where Desai's live in). The Patidar of Samdi Chakla are from Lakhawad pati. The resident of Manordas ni Khadki are the heirs of Kakarkhad. The Patidars of Desaivago were the descendants of Kheta Patel. Vaghjibhai Samaldas Desai constructed a pond named Kheta Talav in 1798. In 1800, he was honored by Gaekwad and given the title "Desai". Haridas Viharidas Desai and Bechardas Viharidas Desai were the Diwans of Junagadh. They lived at Nadiad ni haveli which has 249 rooms and was constructed in 1783. They are distinguished as Bhao Shaeb (respected brother in Maharastra). Dharamsinh Desai was a member of the Indian Parliament and a well-known industrialist. He established many heavy and light industries and was a major contributor to the Dharamsinh Desai University in Nadiad. Dr. Narendra Dharmsinh Desai followed in his father's footsteps and established an electronic industry as well as the Dharamsinh Agricultural and Industrial Research Foundation.

The eminent Desai from the Bapuji Desai's khadki were Tulsidas, his son Vithalbhai, grandsons Dr. Virendra. Tulsidas Desai was the first barrister in the Kheda district. Vithalbhai was the Subordinate Civil Judge. Dr. Virendra Desai established the Muljibhai Urological Hospital and the Research Institute of Kidney Diseases, for which Jayrambhai Muljibhai Patel (Chairman of Rohit Paper and Pulp Millis) of Kakarkhad donated generously. Maganbhai Prabhudas was the Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University. C. C. Desai and his brother, Manubhai Desai, form Sojitrani Khadki were I.C.S. C.C. Desai was the co-student of Subhash Chandra Bose and also the administrative officer during the British regime and Independent India. He was elected as M.P. from Banas Kantha. Manubhai Desai was the Judge of the Supreme Court of India. Govindbhai Desai from Bhavandias Khadki was the Deputy. Prime Minister in Baroda State. Motibhai Purshottamdas Desai from the Ramdasni Khadki was a prominent timber merchant in north Gujarat towns of Kalol, Kadi, Dhansura, Talod, and Dehgam. His elder brother Maganbhai Desai was the first engineer from the entire Desai Vago who worked in distance land of Lahore before the partition.

The eminent Patidars from Kakarkhad were two brothers: Jayantibhai and Manubhai. I.V. Patel and the two brothers donated generously to the Nadiad Education Society to build the Commerce and Arts Colleges, receptively. Babubhai Jashbhai Patel was elected as M.L.A. at the age of 26 and was the Chief Minister of Gujarat State from the period 1977-1980.

Ratilal Kushaldas Patel of Lakhawad was the first Patel to be the President of the Board of Control of Cricket (CCI) in India and was also a member of the MCC in England. Being warriors as well as politically active, the Patidars of Samadi Chakla, contributed greatly to the independence Movement and for the Movement of Maha Gujarat. The warriors blocked the military train, destroyed the railroad tracks, and saved the city of Ahmedabad by opposing in rolet Act of the British Government.

The Patidars were apprehended and prosecuted in court. The case was named the "Patta Case". Maganbhai was dubbed as "Raja" by the people of Nadiad for his leading role when all were acquitted in the "Patta Case". A famous Gurbo called Mujro, was written and sung at the famous Ambaji Temple. The Gurbo describes the Patta Case and is still sung during Navaratri Festival by Maravadis of Nadiad.

Ravjibhai Ishwerbhai Patel's only son, Shaheed Arvind, was the first warrior to sacrifice his life in the Maha Gujarat Movement. Today, Patel Madan is still considered to be the hub of political activities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Ramanbhai G. Patel, of Samadi Chakla was the first principle of the College of Physical Education in Rajpipla, Gujarat. C.J. Patel of the Por, well known tobacco Merchant, donated to the Nadiad Education Society to build the J&J Science College of Nadiad. Goverdhanram Madhav Rao Tripathi of Nadiad, was an author of the great Gujarti novel, Saravathichandra. Santram Mandir was constructed one hundred and fifty years ago and Mai Mandir [1] was constructed sixty five years ago. These temples contributed to the social, educational, and religious need of the people of Nadiad and other villages of the Kheda district. Vithal Kanya Vidyalay, in memory of Veer Vitalbhai, educated women to become social and political leaders. Hindu Anath Ashram (Orphanage) of Nadiad is renowned for its services to the orphans.

It is said that during the reign of Ramalhad, Nadiad was ruled by seven patis. Around Salun Boarder and mosque was the ‘jagir’ (property) of Jerambhai Bechardas, was the area of Sidibaxi. Ramaldhad’s ‘pati’ located in Alhadvaga. These ‘patis’ suggest that the people living in these areas are ‘Patidars’ who are the main agricultural landlords of Kheda district. The government revenue department has based its revenue system on thiese. The following are the seven ‘patis’: alad pati.kakarkhad pati, chaklashi pati ‘ lakhavaad pati, hirjee pati ‘ ratanjee pati and killedari pati

Besides Patidar, other communities such as Brahmins, Vaniks, and Muslims also contributed in the development of Nadiad. Patel's from Mota-pore, Vachewad and Nana-pore, are now among the new generation who are contributing towards the development of Nadiad. Nadiad was mainly established by Nagars, the eminent caste in Gujarat and not by patidars as everybody knows that Nadiad is known as "shakshar bhumi" not only because of Nagars but because there are 9 shakshars (highly knowledgeable and highly qualified) and all of them are Nagars; they are highly respectable not only in Nadiad but in whole world. Poets like Govardhanram Tripathi and Mast Kavi are Nagars.

Nadiad "Bhausaheb Ni Haveli" has 249 rooms in the house, which is less by just 91 rooms than the "Rashtrapati Bhavan" in New Delhi; this prestigious haveli belonged to Bhausaheb during the pre-independence era where Swami Vivekanand has stayed and Mahatma Gandhi has stayed for a night during the "Satyagrah".

The town has made important contributions in the field of freedom struggle, pioneering journalism, educational activities and jurisprudence. Ravjibhai Patel of Azad pole, Mohanlal Shah and Champaklal Shah of Manordas ni Khadki were the freedom fighters. To support the armed struggle against the British, Mr. Ravji Patel participated in robbery of Post office, he buried his gun used in the robbery in the Bhani Kui of his farm land. The Patels of Manordas Ni Khadki was the most educated community in those days. The small members were engineer, doctors, translators of Indian scriptures. Shankarlal Galabhai was the last Mukhi who ran the Kakarkhad pati from office opposite to Manordas ni Khaki and was not appreciated by the majority members of Kakakhad! Mr. Chunibhai Patel was the one who designed the drainage and water system of Nadiad.

Mahatma Gandhi had started his first ‘satyagraha’ movement upon his return from South Africa at nowhere else but in the district of Kheda and had resided in the alms-house of Nadiad.

Geography[link]

Nadiad is located at 22°42′N 72°52′E / 22.7°N 72.87°E / 22.7; 72.87.^[2] It has an average elevation of 35 metres (114 feet).

Demographics[link]

As of 2001^[update] India census,^[3] Nadiad had a population of 192,799. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Nadiad has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 73%. In Nadiad, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Scholars and Personalities[link]

The seat of Santarm Maharaj and the Santram Mandir are important not only for its religious following, but for the public service activities undertaken there, such as free medical care for low-income individuals and feeding programs for the poor and sadhus.

Nadiad was also the land of laureates and literatures during the later years of l9th century and beginning of the 20th. The author of the epic Gujarati novel 'Saraswatichandra', Govardhanram Tripathi, Mansukhram Shivaram, Zaverilal Yagnik, Ranchhodbhai Udayram, Manilal Nabhubhai, Balashanker, the poet-painter Phoolchand Master, Rasakavi Raghunath Brahmbhatt were a few of the many literary personalities. The residence of Govardhanram has been preserved and his statue has been placed in the heart of the town.

Nadiad is also the birth-place of freedom fighter, statesman, and first Deputy Prime Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Shree Praful Patel, The Minister of Civil Aviation is from Nadiad. Shree Dinsha Patel, the M.P. from Nadiad is the current Independent Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Mines.

Pujya Mota was a great spiritual leader from Nadiad. Dr. T. B. Patel, kakarkhad, Director of Civil Hospital, one of the founder of Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI) and Best citizen of India, 2000, award winner. Shankarbhai Galabhai Patel who translated Bhagvad Gita in to English was also from Nadiad.

Shri Indubhai Patel Ipcowala has also done a lot things for the town and the state and has been awarded the Chief Minister of Gujarat for his social work. Indukaka believed in donating 80% of the income and keeping 20% of the income for his family. After Indukaka, Devangbhai Patel is taking care of the business and following the same flow of donations started by Shri Indukaka .

Sardar Vallbhbhai Patel, the first home minister of India, well known as the Iron Man of India was born and educated in Nadiad. He was the person who integrated the indigenous states in British Raj to form a nation we know as India.

Cinemas and entertainment[link]

Cinemas halls in the city include Vaishali, Shreyas, Alka, Rajhans multiplex, Paras, and Globe. One phenomenon that has gained popularity is the establishment of "party plots". These are giant sized parcels of land which allow individuals to congregate for festive occasions such as weddings.

Tourism[link]

Santram Mandir, famous for its carvings, is located in Nadiad. The 700 year old Sri Raxeshwar Mahadev Mandir, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is till date served by a living Saint. The 110 years old Methodist Church and Methodist mission hospital are also a worth a visit. The school for deaf and mute and Badhir Garden are also points of attraction.

The Mahakali Mataji Mandir at the entrance of the city from National Express way 1 is approximately 255 years old and was built by the Bhao Saheb Desai family. Shree Mota Narayandev Mandir and the Bhairav Mandir are additional historic Hindu Temples located in Nadiad

Hospitals and Health care[link]

Nadiad is a major centre of general and specialized health care services. Some of the major hospitals located in Nadiad are:

• Muljibhai Patel Urological hospital (also known as Kidney Hospital)
• D.D.M.M.Institute of Cardiac Surgery (also known as Heart Hospital-Mission Road-Nadiad)
• Mahagujarat Hospital
• Civil Hospital which is only one Government Hospital for Kheda District
• Methodist Mission Hospital (General Hospital Situated at Mission Road- Nadiad)
• Ayurvedic Hospital at J. S. Patel Ayurvedic College

Education[link]

Some of the major educational institutes located in Nadiad are:

• Dharamsinh Desai University
• J. S. Patel Ayurvedic College
• J & J College of Science
• Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
• T J Patel Commerce College
• I.V.Patel college of Commerece
• SNV International School
• Shree Swami Viveknand Vidya Vihar
• English Teachin School(ETS)
• Sharda Mandir School

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Nadiad

• St. Anne's High School, Nadiad
• Profile of Kheda District
• Bus services from Nadiad
• Site about Nadiad

Narendra Modi નરેન્દ્ર મોદી
Chief Minister of Gujarat
Incumbent
Assumed office 7 October 2001
Governor	Dr. Kamla Beniwal
Preceded by	Keshubhai Patel
Constituency	Maninagar
Personal details
Born	(1950-09-17) 17 September 1950 (age 61) Vadnagar, Gujarat, India
Political party	Bharatiya Janata Party
Residence	Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Alma mater	Gujarat University[1]
Religion	Hinduism
Website	Narendra Modi
As of 9 March, 2009 Source: Government of Gujarat

Narendra Damodardas Modi (Gujarati: નરેન્દ્ર મોદી; born 17 September 1950^[1]) is the current Chief Minister of the Indian state of Gujarat. Born in a middle class family in Vadnagar, he was the third of six children born to Damodardas Mulchand Modi and his wife Heeraben.^[2] He has been a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) since childhood also having interest in politics since adolescence. He holds a master's degree in political science. In 1998, he was chosen by L. K. Advani, the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to direct the election campaign in Gujarat as well as Himachal Pradesh.

He became Chief Minister of Gujarat in October 2001, promoted to the office at a time when his predecessor Keshubhai Patel had resigned, following the defeat of BJP in the by-elections. His tenure as chief minister of Gujarat began on 7 October 2001, and he is the longest serving Chief Minister of the state of Gujarat.^[3] In July 2007 he became the longest serving Chief Minister in Gujarat's history when he had been in power for 2063 days continuously.^[4] He was elected again for a third term^[5] on 23 December 2007 in the state elections, which he had cast as a "referendum on his rule".^[6][7]

Personal life[link]

Modi was born in a middle class family in Vadnagar in Mehsana district of what was then Bombay State, India.^[8] During the Indo-Pak war in the mid sixties, even as a young boy, he volunteered to serve the soldiers in transit at railway stations.^[9] As a young man, he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, a student organisation and was involved in the anti-corruption Nav Nirmāṇ ("Reconstruction") Movement. After working as a full time organiser for the organisation, he was later nominated as its representative in the Bharatiya Janata Party.^[10] As a teenager Modi used to run a tea stall with his brother.^[11] Modi completed his schooling in Vadnagar. He earned a masters degree in political science from Gujarat University.^[12]

Early activism and politics[link]

Modi was a pracharak (campaigner) in the RSS during his university years.^[12][13] He took up the challenging task of energising the party cadres in right earnest. In partnership with Shankersinh Vaghela, Modi set about creating a strong cadre base in Gujarat. In the initial period, Vaghela was seen as a mass leader, while Modi was recognised as a master strategist.

The party started gaining political mileage and formed a coalition government at the centre in April 1990. This partnership fell apart within a few months, but the BJP came to power with a two-thirds majority on its own in Gujarat in 1995. During this period, Modi was entrusted with the responsibility of organising two crucial national events, the Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra (a political rally through India on a converted Toyota van) of L.K. Advani and a similar march from Kanyakumari (the southernmost part of India) to Kashmir in the North. After the exit of Shankarsingh Vaghela from the BJP, Keshubhai Patel was made Chief Minister while Narendra Modi was sent to New Delhi as a General Secretary of the Party.

In 1995, Modi was appointed the National Secretary of the party and given the charge of five major states in India. In 1998, he was promoted as the General Secretary (Organization), a post he held until October 2001. In 2001, Narendra Modi was chosen by the party to be the Chief Minister of Gujarat after the removal of chief minister Keshubhai Patel.

Tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat[link]

Personality[link]

Modi is known for leading a frugal lifestyle. He has a personal staff of just three. He is known to be a workaholic Chief Minister and an introvert.^[14] He ordered the demolition of many Hindu temples that were built without proper government sanction which earned him the ire of VHP^[11] He is a crowd puller as a speaker. Modi has also tried to turn his image from an Hindu Nationalist politician to an image of able administrator. He wears business suits and is improving his command over the English language.^[15]

Awards and recognitions[link]

Modi was awarded Gujarat Ratna by Shri Poona Gujarati Bandhu Samaj at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch on celebration of centenary year.^[16]

Development of Gujarat[link]

As a Chief Minister, Modi started various 'yojanas' or plans. This includes:

• Panchamrut Yojana,^[17][18][19] a five-pronged strategy for an integrated development of the state,
• Sujalam Sufalam, a scheme to create a grid of water resources in Gujarat in an innovative step towards water conservation and its appropriate utilisation.
• Krishi Mahotsav – agricultural research labs for the land
• Chiranjeevi Yojana – To reduce infant mortality rate
• Matru Vandana – Providing preventive and curative services under the Reproductive and Child Health Programme
• Beti Bachao – Campaign against female infanticide to improve sex ratio
• Jyotigram Yojana – Provide electricity to every village
• Karmayogi Abhiyan – To educate and train government employees
• Kanya Kelavani Yojana – To encourage female literacy and education
• Balbhog Yojana – Midday meal scheme for students to encourage school attendance from poor backgrounds.^[20]

Vibrant Gujarat[link]

Vibrant Gujarat is a biennial Global Investors' Summit held by the Government of Gujarat in Gujarat, India. The event is aimed at bringing together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy and opinion makers; the summit is advertised as a platform to understand and explore business opportunities in the State of Gujarat. the event has been held continuously since 2003.

Gujarat earthquake[link]

The biggest challenge which he had to face when he took over as the Chief Minister, was the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the areas affected by the massive Gujarat Earthquake of January 2001.

Gujarat violence[link]

On 27 February 2002, a train was burned by a Muslim mob in the town of Godhra leading to 59 deaths, most of them Hindu pilgrims and activists returning from the holy city of Ayodhya.^[21] Riots broke out in the state after it was suspected to be caused by Muslims, leading to 1180 deaths, many of them Muslims. Modi administration was accused of inaction over the riots and for encouraging them.^[15] As an aftermath of the riots, there were calls for Modi to resign from his position as chief minister of Gujarat. The opposition parties stalled the national parliament over the issue. Even Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP), allies of the BJP, asked for Modi's resignation.^[22][23] Modi submitted his resignation to the Governor and recommended the dissolution of the 10th Gujarat Legislative Assembly.^[24][25] In the following state re-elections the BJP, led by Modi, won 127 seats in the 182-member assembly.

In April 2009, the Supreme Court of India appointed a special team of investigators to look into the role Modi had played in the alleged anti-Muslim conspiracy.^[15] The team was appointed in response to the complaint of zakia Jafri, the widow of ex-Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, who was murdered in the riots.^[26] In December 2010, a Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) in its report to the Supreme Court seeking answers pertaining to the Ehsan Jafri case, submitted that they had found no evidence against Narendra Modi.^[27]

However in February 2011, the Times of India reported that a confidential report from the SIT indicted Modi on several counts of alleged complicity in the Gujarat riots of 2002.^[28] Most other sources have noted that the SIT report does not indict Modi for the riots due to lack of evidence.^[29][30] The Indian Express too said the report did not find any Modi involvement in the violence, though it did accuse him of watering down the seriousness of the situation.^[31] According to the Hindu, the report not only found that Modi tried to water down the seriousness of the situation, but Modi also implicitly justified the killings of Muslims, and failed to condemn the attacks on them.^[32] The Bharatiya Janata Party demanded an investigation into the publication of the report, claiming the leak was politically motivated.^[33]

The apex court refused to pass any order on the case and referred it to the Ahmedabad magistrate for a decision.^[34] In April 2012, a Special Investigation Team found absolved Modi of any involvement in the Gulberg massacre, arguably the worst episode of the riots.^[35]. On 7 May 2012, a Supreme Court-appointed amicus curiae, Raju Ramachandran observed that Modi can be prosecuted under sections 153 A (1) (a) & (b), 153 B (1), 166 and 505 (2) of the Indian Penal Code for promoting enmity among different groups during the 2002 Gujarat riots.^[36]. However the amicus report has been criticised by the Special Investigation Team for relying heavily on the testimony of a perjurer^[37].

2007 elections[link]

Modi made a speech at Mangrol in which he justified the alleged fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Sheikh, During the election campaign In response to Sonia Gandhi's speech calling him a "merchant of death",^[38] and referred to Sohrabuddin's killing. For this speech the Election Commission of India, a constitutional body governing election proceedings in India, cautioned Modi as it considered it as indulging in an activity which may aggravate existing differences between different communities.^[39] Modi won the election and continued his post as the Chief Minister Of Gujarat, he won with majority of votes of 122 seats out of 182 total assembly seats.^[40]

Conflicts with Governor Kamla Beniwal[link]

On 25 August 2011 Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal appointed Justice R A Mehta to the post of Lokyukta of Gujarat, a critical anti-corruption post that had been lying vacant since 2003. Justice R A Mehta was recommended for the post by the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court in June. Since Governor Beniwal had made this decision without consulting and getting the approval of the chief minister and his council of ministers, the action angered Narendra Modi and his BJP party.^[41]

This marked the beginning of a strained relationship between Modi and the Governor. On 25 September 2011, Narendra Modi accused the Governor of running a parallel government in the state supported by the Congress. He demanded that she be recalled back.^[42] He also later accused her of delaying the progress of bills by not passing them.

The decision of the governor in the appointment of R A Mehta was challenged in the high court by the Modi government. The two member high court bench gave a split verdict on 10 October 2011. Later, a third member upheld the governor's decision in January 2012.^[43]

Foreign visits[link]

As the Chief Minister of the Gujarat State, to attract foreign investment in the state, Narendra Modi has made visits to foreign countries, including China and Singapore.

Narendra Modi made his first China visit in 2007 to invite investors Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Summit,^[44] and second visit in November 2011. One month after the second visit to China, the Chinese Government released 13 Diamond traders from India jailed by the Shenzhen Customs, which the Chief Minister described as the consequece of his diplomatic efforts and statesmanship.^[45]

In 2005 Narendra Modi was denied of diplomatic visa to the United States, in addition to this visa denial, he was also revoked from his already granted B-1/B-2 visa.^[46]

Sadbhavna Mission[link]

In the late 2011-early 2012 Narandra Modi practised a series of fasts in the name of Sadbhavna Mission. The mission started on 17 September 2011 in Ahmedabad with 3 day fast with a view to strengthen the atmosphere of peace, unity and harmony in the state. He observed total 36 fasts in 26 districts, 8 cities including Ahmedabad.^[47]

Views and opinions[link]

Modi's position on terrorism[link]

On 18 July 2006 Modi delivered a speech criticising Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh "for his reluctance to revive anti-terror legislations" like the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He asked the Centre to empower states to invoke tougher laws in the wake of the blasts in Mumbai.^[48] Quoting Modi:

Narendra Modi has frequently commented that if the BJP came to power at the Centre, they will honour the 2004 Supreme Court judgement to hang Afzal Guru.^[49] Afzal was convicted of terrorism in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack in 2004 by the Supreme Court of India and is in Tihar Jail.^[50]

On account of the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, on Thursday 27 November, Narendra Modi held a meeting to discuss waterfront security along the coastline.^[51] The meeting decided to ask the Central government to urgently sanction the following:

• Increase the number of police stations along the coast to 50 (from 10)
• Increase the number of police to 1500 from 250
• 30 modern high-speed surveillance boats.

The 30 coastal boats, under construction at Goa's shipbuilding yard, will have the capacity to run at the speed of 25 nautical miles per hour. These are being manufactured under the Centre's Rs 58-crore grant for coastal security.^[51]

Views on criticism of Modi's governance[link]

In 2003, when Narendra Modi was asked about the conflict of his dreams for Gujarat's future with international criticism of his past activities, Modi said,^[52]

Modi's decision to link Gujarat's violence with the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the US drew criticism from some observers, who contrasted it with the then Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani's unpleasant apology for Gujarat in London a year ago.^[52] Modi responded to this criticism by The Guardian,^[52]

See also[link]

• Chief Minister
• Gujarat
• Bhartiya Janata Party

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Narendra Modi

Official

• @narendramodi Official & verified Twitter Account
• Narendra Modi Official website
• Narendra Modi Personal blog

Other

• Profile at BBC News

v t e Current Chief Ministers of Indian states (list)     Andhra Pradesh: Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy Arunachal Pradesh: Nabam Tuki Assam: Tarun Gogoi Bihar: Nitish Kumar Chhattisgarh: Raman Singh Goa: Manohar Parrikar Gujarat: Narendra Modi Haryana: Bhupinder Singh Hooda Himachal Pradesh: Prem Kumar Dhumal Jammu and Kashmir: Omar Abdullah Jharkhand: Arjun Munda Karnataka: D. V. Sadananda Gowda Kerala: Oommen Chandy Madhya Pradesh: Shivraj Singh Chauhan Maharashtra: Prithviraj Chavan Manipur: Okram Ibobi Singh Meghalaya: Mukul Sangma Mizoram: Pu Lalthanhawla Nagaland: Neiphiu Rio Orissa: Naveen Patnaik Punjab: Parkash Singh Badal Rajasthan: Ashok Gehlot Sikkim: Pawan Kumar Chamling Tamil Nadu: Jayalalithaa Tripura: Manik Sarkar Uttar Pradesh: Akhilesh Yadav Uttarakhand: Vijay Bahuguna West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee Delhi: Sheila Dikshit Pondicherry: N. Rangaswamy