Mulchand Damodardas Modi
Damodardas Mulchand Modi was the father of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was born in June 1915 in Vadnagar, Mehsana, Gujarat, and passed away in 1989. Damodardas was a small-time grocer and tea vendor who owned a tea stall at the Vadnagar railway station—a humble occupation that played a significant part in shaping Narendra Modi's early life. Damodardas married Hiraben Modi, and together they had six children—five sons (including Narendra Modi) and a daughter. Despite financial hardships, Damodardas was remembered for being hardworking and instilling strong values in his children. He was described as deeply religious, opening his stall every day before dawn after visiting a temple. After his death in 1989, an old age home was set up in his memory by his son Somabhai in Vadnagar, called the Visamo Vruddhashram, later renamed Swargast Damordas Moolchand Modi Sewasharam. Damodardas Mulchand Modi is remembered not only for his humble roots but also for his immense role in shaping the family and character of one of India's most significant political leaders.