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Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times

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On 26 December 2012, Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for the fourth time to extend his record tenure in office. “Mass Murderer” or “Development Man”? It depends on which side of the spectrum he is viewed from, because Narendra Modi is one of those politicians whose name prompts extremes of hate-filled anger or outright adulation. Despite polarizing Gujarat and India in more ways than one, Modi brilliantly does what it takes to survive in a democracy: win elections. Written by veteran journalist and writer, Nilanjan after several in-depth interviews, meticulous research and extensive travel through Gujarat, this book reveals hitherto unknown aspects of Narendra Modi’s psyche: as a six year-
old boy selling tea to help out his father and distributing badges and raising slogans at the behest of a local political leader; abandoning his family and wife in search of his definition of truth; initiation into the RSS as a fledgling who ran errands for his seniors; his idea of Gujarati pride and Indian-ness; and finally, his meteoric rise which gave him a distinct identity post the 2002 Godhra riots. Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times is a definitive biography of a man who may have challenged the basic principles of a sovereign secular nation but emerged at its destination as an undisputed and larger-than-life leader.

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2013

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Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay

30 books11 followers

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Amit Tyagi.
49 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2013
Well Mr. Mukhopadhyay got one thing right, any discourse on Narendra Modi in this country is never balanced and the same is true for his book as well. I never expected him to heap praise on Modi but what really struck me was that he blames Modi and his authoritarian character for not asking tough questions in an interview. Worse still, he cites the aborted interview that Modi gave to Karan Thapar in his defense. Wouldn't the readers of his book be better served by knowing Modi's reaction to the author's uncomfortable questions rather than knowing that their author didn't ask those questions.

As for the good things, Mr. Mukhopadhyay did a good job of establishing the context in terms of Gujarati society and the socio-political sentiment there before dealing with Godhra riots. However, the material is sketchy in terms of tracing the subject's rise over the years. It is more a commentary on the organizations that he was part of, which is important but not central to the book.

Profile Image for Ajit.
10 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2014
As a biography, this is certainly not top bracket. It's poorly written, it is repetitive and is not well-organised. The book is, however, important for its subject matter. Besides this one, there is just one other biography of Modi. Apart from these two books,there is very scanty writing by way of trying to delve into Modi, the man. Whatever the flaws of this biography, it at least brings forward details about Modi that allow you to understand him to some extent. The details of Modi's background, his youth, his work for the RSS and then the BJP are well described. The last two or three chapters represent a good collection in one place of Modi's views, speeches, actions in the aftermath of the defining riots of 2002. All the controversial aspects of Modi since he took over as Chief Minister of Gujarat are available here. The author does not sit on the fence - he has a definite view about Modi the person and it is not a pretty picture. In this sense, this is certainly not an authorised biography. Some parts of the book Modi would have approved of, but there are some others which he would have certainly been displeased with. I would recommend that this book should be read - not because it is a well-written book but just so that we have a good idea of the persona of the man who might soon be the Prime Minister of India.
Profile Image for Anantha Narayanan.
252 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2019
An unbiased approach to Modi

A very good writeup on PM Modi and his life. True to the core of being unbiased. Just seeing things as it is.
8 reviews4 followers
May 4, 2015
A good book to understand Modi and his past. Author is bit biased towards Hindutva cause. His beliefs and views comes into picture sometimes which may put a negative shade on Mr. Modi. Nevertheless, I would recommend strongly to people to understand Modi better. Modi comes out as a strong Hindutva sympathizer politically and a dynamic person administratively. One subject the author did not touch upon would be Modi's psyche - what books shaped his idealogy over the period of time, any other leader he admires other than Vivekananda. These questions were left unanswered
Profile Image for M.
38 reviews18 followers
October 25, 2013
I started reading this book with a lot of curiosity little realising the disappointment in store ... the author is unable to give even a rough sketch of the subject...full of some socialy-relevant and not-so-relevant political reportage of past events...there is nothing in the book which merits ur time..even a wiki wud b more informative..On second thought why did the author bother to take up this subject is beyond my understanding whn very obviously he had no material in hand.. perhaps just to encash-in on the NaMo wave..???
Profile Image for Vasudevah Survam.
7 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2013
The writer everytimes says "To be fair with Modi" and then he starts prasing Modi and after few paragraphs he comes back to Modi's Authoritarian Image. He dealts in detail of Riot but forgets to put Godhara into picture.

The author cleverly chosen the Title of the Book "The man the times" as he is absolutely trying to encash Modi's popularity. He discusses every points of development in Gujarat but forgets to do the Ground work on the Issue of "Development for all and appeasement for none" or "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas".

I understand writer discusses the Times of of Narendramodi with RSS in which he always tries to put him as authoritarian. In another way he is also trying to put RSS as an Organisation which produces authoriatarian Leaders such as Narendra Modi.

I think the author's projection of Narendra Modi as an authoritarian is wrong. In another words he is just trying to dilute Narendra Modi's charachter of "Decision Maker". Author clearly fails to recognize the Namo's decisive ness towards Big Ideas but instead he puts him always an Authoritarian.
Profile Image for Manoj.
4 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2017
I recommend this book to all - especially those who blindly support Modi and those who blindly hate him. It presents a pretty good critique and an unbiased account of life story of a leader who is one of the most liked and most disliked leaders of our times. Modi, is the current (2016) prime minister of India and the book was written in and around 2012 when he was chief minister of a state in Gujarat and was rising as a possible candidate for national politics. Although I have difference of opinion politically with the ideologue he represents and kind of hate him for his alleged role in 2002 riots in Gujarat (which this book also critiqued in its own way - since he never really could explain his acquittal) - I find his life story motivating. His life is one of hardwork, determination, focus, patience and perseverance. All the adjectives I have used are absolutely in place. I recommend the book.
Profile Image for Nikhil.
9 reviews4 followers
August 1, 2013
An interesting read about a man, who like it or not will be playing a pivotal role in Indian politics at least for the next decade or so. The author maintains a balanced view of things and uses perspectives from various angles in an attempt to provide an holistic view of Narendra Modi. An insight into the formative years of Modi is important in this context, but these sections get repetitive and drag on for too long for my liking. If you are still on the fence regarding Narendra Modi, this book might help you lean towards one side or the other depending on which part of the book connects with you the most.
79 reviews
July 5, 2013
Very honest attempt towards a neutral assessment of the most divisive political leader in India. However a neutral assessment coupled with the state of political leadership in the country eventually shows him in positive light. In the end one would say, will go with Modi if the alternative is Rahul Gandhi
Profile Image for Prasad GR.
356 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2014
A dispassionate analysis. But there is very little in it that we already do not know from the newspapers. A good read anyway for outsiders to know the man who is now the PM! Kudos to the author for resisting the temptation to eulogise Mr. Modi. What I didn't like is the repetition of certain ideas and even phrases - avoidable, as it slows down the narrative terribly.
Profile Image for Pankaj.
67 reviews10 followers
July 26, 2016
The Author has described the subject's childhood, his journey from RSS to the corridors of power. I am not judging the content of the book, but i believe that the Author has done a lot of Research for the Book, by the way he has quoted so many books and other references, and i appreciate him for that. But i feel the book could have been edited better to make it more interesting.
Profile Image for Lalith Srivatsa.
3 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2017
All humans have some of the other shortcomings. This book exposes the subtle characteristics of our PM very well. (As on August 2017)

One thing is for sure- This great country is in safe hands. Modi will be in history books as one of the greatest leaders of India.
Profile Image for Tarun.
23 reviews
June 1, 2015
Unbiased view on the one of the most controversial person in the recent history of India.

Loved the way he shares some anecdotes of his interviews with Modi
Profile Image for Amit Palrecha.
16 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2014
I don't know, I could not go beyond the 2nd chapter. Something in the way author wrote told me that he would not be unbiased.
Profile Image for Kishore Kuppa.
12 reviews
November 11, 2014
It is always nice to know Modi as a person in order to understand his ideals and works.
24 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2021
This book focuses on how much Narendra Modi was a self-made politician and to what extent circumstances helped him in his remarkable political career. Though it covers his growth only till he became the Prime Minister in 2014, it gives enough indications that the man who was always loved as much as he was hated was destined for bigger things.

Having joined the RSS in 1971 as a teenager when he left home, Modi literally went through the grind, first to become a key functionary in the RSS, then in the BJP and finally in Gujarat politics.
That famous slur, chaiwallah, which stuck Modi before elections, actually served him well to project himself as an underdog in politics. It appears Modi not only prepared tea and served it to his fellow pracharaks in the RSS Bhavan in Delhi in the early days, he also did bartan, jadu, pocha (jocularly called BJP in a different context) and washed his mentor's clothes regularly.
From performing such modest tasks he went on to do slightly more respectable jobs like running errands for his seniors. Later, he was entrusted with editing work for the party journal and coordinating between the members for various activities.
By 1975 when the Emergency was imposed Modi was a well-known face in the RSS and like-minded organisations. He took part in protests and helped in networking with other members, tipped off protesters about police crackdowns and moved around Delhi in different disguises, including as a sardar ji!

In the 1980s he was mostly involved in RSS work and assiduously promoted his profile. Because he was relatively young and had already proven himself as a dependable footsoldier, Modi was regularly assigned tasks and he mostly carried them out to the satisfaction of their bosses.

In the 1990s he played an important role in organising Advani's rath yatra and later Murli Manohar Joshi's yatra. Ironically, he was far away from the site of action in Ayodhya when the Babri masjid was demolished. So he couldn't claim taking any active part in the activity!

In 1995 and thereafter there was much turmoil in Gujarat, and Modi displayed his political skills, playing one against the other in the tussle between the Keshubhai Patel group and Shankersinh Waghela faction. Though he was still a party man, he had considerable clout in the Keshubhai group and came to be known as the 'super Chief Minister' in the State.

If Modi in the 1980s and 1990s did the groundwork in the party and the RSS organization to become a go-to person, in the period after 1995 he started showing his ambition for power and post. By 1999 it became clear that Keshubhai Patel was an inept CM and the State needed a new face. And there was hot competition from Waghela and junior ministers in Keshubhai Patel's ministry for the CM post.
Modi worked his connections in the RSS and closeness with Advani to outwit his rivals to become the CM.
Modi was the first RSS pracharak to become the CM of a state without holding any position in the government. He also holds the distinction of becoming a CM before contesting his first election.

If Ayodhya was a turning point in India's cultural politics, the Godhra incident and the series of riots in Gujarat were an epochal moment that altered politics not only in the state but also across the country.

It is here the question as to what extent one's abilities as opposed to the circumstances that shape the future becomes crucial. Within months after Modi took over as CM the Godhra incident happened. The period was one of the darkest chapters in Gujarat. The previous CM, Keshubhai Patel, lost his chair because of his perceived inability to handle crises like the cyclone, floods and the earthquake during his tenure.
But Modi faced even graver moment. The riots left more than 1,000 dead and rendered thousands homeless. The international press and opposition within the country were baying for his blood. Modi withstood all this and went on to win elections thrice and prepared the ground for making a pitch for PM post. How did he manage it? The book gives some insightful information, but the point is that Modi has the ability to turn his adversity into an advantage.

Post Godhra, there has been discussions whether Gujarat was more prone to communal politics than other states and if this helped Modi take advantage of it. The argument is that Modi deftly converted the anger against his administration into hatred against the Hindus in the State and consolidated his vote bank.

This argument is partly true because Hindus rallied behind him more after the riots. And with no viable opposition party in Gujarat, the BJP could win consecutively three elections under Modi, though with lesser number of seats. The last time a Congress government completed its term in the state was in 1985.

But the larger point is how did Modi go on to capture Delhi in 2014 with all the baggage? Again it is a weak Congress that is partly to blame, but Modi led the party to a bigger victory in 2019. And a third time is not out of his bounds.

Critics are hoping that the virus will end his dream run!
Profile Image for Neel Preet.
Author 3 books65 followers
October 5, 2023
Book: Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times
Author: Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay
Reviewed By: Neel Preet

"Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times" by Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay is an insightful and meticulously researched biography that offers a comprehensive look at one of India's most influential political figures. Mukhopadhyay's work takes readers on a journey through the life and political career of Narendra Modi, from his humble beginnings in Vadnagar to his rise as the Prime Minister of India. This biography presents a balanced and nuanced portrait of Modi, shedding light on both his accomplishments and controversies.

One of the strengths of Mukhopadhyay's book is his ability to provide a well-rounded view of Modi's personality and political style. He delves into Modi's early years, exploring his childhood, his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and his journey through various roles within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Through meticulous research and interviews with key figures, Mukhopadhyay paints a vivid picture of Modi's evolution as a leader.

The book also delves into the critical junctures in Modi's political career, including his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and his eventual ascent to the position of Prime Minister. Mukhopadhyay examines Modi's governance style, his economic policies, and his foreign policy initiatives, providing valuable insights into the factors that have shaped India's political landscape during his tenure.

While the biography acknowledges Modi's undeniable charisma and political acumen, it does not shy away from addressing the controversies surrounding him, including the Gujarat riots of 2002. Mukhopadhyay offers a balanced perspective on these contentious issues, allowing readers to form their own judgments.

In conclusion, "Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times" is a comprehensive and thought-provoking biography that provides valuable insights into the life and political journey of Narendra Modi. Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay's meticulous research and balanced narrative make this book a must-read for anyone interested in Indian politics and the enigmatic personality of Modi. It offers a deep understanding of the man who has left an indelible mark on India's political landscape and continues to shape the country's future.
25 reviews
February 23, 2020
'It is futile to try to change others' opinion about you'

Narendra Modi is made of four parts, his early formative life with RSS, his wandering acetic life during which he travelled the length and breadth of the country understanding the cultures, his life as the organization secretary of BJP, during which he spearheaded the Rath yatra of Advani, the Ekta yatra...


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93 reviews26 followers
October 19, 2021
Mukhopadhyay is a journalist. The book is based on interviews he conducted with the Prime Minister over the years. The subject being a self made publicity hound, who is averse to giving press conferences and very leery of the press, its a wonder the author managed to get him to open up at all. But the result is a boring narrative- there is nothing new here. A more interesting and informative read can be found in the Caravan archives. They have the best possible biography of Modi.
Profile Image for Paakhi.
110 reviews
November 8, 2020
This is a really well written and nuanced book - a great introduction to Modi's history with the RSS and his political trajectory within the BJP.
39 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2013
Before I started reading this book, I knew that it was no hagiography and that was what drew my attention to it. At the start of the book, Mukhopadyay promises a fair and balanced perspective of Narendra Modi, but after reading the book, one word strongly makes its presence felt inside my mind - 'biased'. Oh – and it is a little dull and boring as well.

Every now and then during the course of the book, when the author begins to realise that he is being unfairly critical, he does try to redeem himself with something along the lines of 'to be fair to Modi....', but the way in which he has attempted to portray Modi is extremely unfair nonetheless. The sheer bias has also been aptly reflected in the level of research that has gone into Modi’s alleged strengths and weaknesses. The research has been extensive when exploring allegations of Modi being communal, manipulative and so forth, as Modi-bashing appears to be a pet topic for the author. But when it comes to his strengths, which according to the book is minimal, the level of research is almost a big fat zero. While Modi may be no saint, the systematic targeting and vilification in this book is unlikely to be of interest to anyone besides the habitual Modi-baiters.

Do read this book if you are looking to be disappointed!
492 reviews6 followers
February 24, 2017
A journalist by profession, the author has stitched together a book on the most "hated", "maligned" man today in India.

The key take away from the book is nothing different from what many perceive him to be autocratic, authoritative, manipulative, ambitious, hard working and many others. The only word that seems to be missing is megalomaniac. For all the negative adjectives heaped on him Modi seems to shrug off this tag.

The book kind of presents the rise and rise of Mr. Modi. The book has been written before Mr. Modi took over as the Prime Minister and hence it stops at saying that Mr. Modi is aiming to be the Prime Minister of India soon.

The book is decently balanced and is not completely biased although the admirers of Mr. Modi will tend to say that it does not highlight as much of his achievements as it does of his negatives.

A decent read to try and understand the most "hated"/"maligned" man in India today.
Profile Image for Rohit Ghai.
26 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2014
The book intends to be an unauthorised biography and does appear to be so. While the writer does try and maintain a balance between praising Modiji and, in some cases, skimming the surface of criticising him, somehow I felt that there was a lot missing. Perhaps it is the subject of the book that made the mind want more...perhaps it felt a bit unfinished- and this is not the authors fault since the book came out in 2012- in that the campaign that thrust Modiji into the national spotlight has been missed. Maybe a detailed appendix covering this most important phase in his life can be released in due course.

To summarise- a bit engaging..,but, like the speeches of the subject- we can't get enough :)
1 review
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December 3, 2013
i still have to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
April 5, 2017
dgdfg
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