Prime Minister Narendra Modi is featured in the Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential people for this year with an article written by US President Barack Obama who titled it “India’s reformer-in-chief.”
"As a boy, Narendra Modi helped his father sell tea to support their family. Today, he is the leader of the world’s largest democracy, and his life story — from poverty to Prime Minister — reflects the dynamism and potential of India’s rise," Mr. Obama wrote in the 166 word piece.
Recalling how both the leaders reflected on the teachings of Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi during Mr. Modi’s visit to the US last year, Mr. Obama said that Mr. Modi recognised that more than 1 billion Indians living and succeeding together can be an inspiring model for the world.
Mr. Obama was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade this January and became the first US President to do so and also to have visited India twice while in office. The visit was marked by close bonhomie between the two leaders.
"Like India, he transcends the ancient and the modern — a devotee of yoga who connects with Indian citizens on Twitter and imagines a "digital India," Mr. Obama also added.
Mr. Modi used twitter to express his gratitude to Mr. Obama. “Dear @BarackObama your words are touching & inspiring. Thanks,” he tweeted.
Mr. Obama too is on the Time list with the article on him written by Time magazine's political columnist Joe Klein.
