On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, a name from his early years returned to the spotlight: Abbas Ramsada. Once a young boy living in the Modi household in Vadnagar, Abbas’s story has drawn renewed attention, reminding many of the modest roots and close bonds that shaped Modi’s upbringing.
How Abbas Came to Stay With the Modis
Abbas was the son of Miyanbhai, a close friend of Modi’s father, Damodardas. When Miyanbhai passed away, Damodardas brought Abbas into his home so the boy’s education would not be interrupted. Originally from Kesimpa village, Abbas moved in with the Modis because his local school only went up to class five. Vadnagar offered better opportunities, and Damodardas personally convinced Abbas’s family to let him study there.
Modi’s Recollection in 2022
Abbas’s name reemerged in 2022 when Modi wrote a blog marking his mother Heeraben’s 100th birthday. In it, he recalled how Abbas stayed with the family, describing his mother’s affection for him as equal to that shown to her own children. Modi remembered her preparing Abbas’s favorite dishes during Eid and welcoming neighborhood children to enjoy her festive meals.
Schooling and Early Years
While living in Vadnagar, Abbas studied in the same class as Modi’s younger brother, Pankaj. Both excelled academically, with Abbas scoring high marks in his matriculation exams in the early 1970s. By that time, Modi had already moved to Ahmedabad to begin his role as a full-time RSS pracharak.
Later Life and Career
After school, both Abbas and Pankaj secured government jobs, Pankaj in the information department and Abbas in civil supplies. Abbas eventually retired in 2022 and later moved to Sydney, Australia, to live with his younger son, while his elder son continues to reside in Gujarat’s Mehsana district.
Remembering Heeraben’s Role
Abbas has often spoken about the impact Modi’s family had on his life. In a book he wrote about the Prime Minister, he expressed gratitude for the support he received and remembered Heeraben as someone who cared for him like her own child.
