The news of Modi's re-election as the Prime Minister of India has shaken the world, yet the life of his wife, Jashodaben, remains little known, with her difficult situation under her husband's high position being particularly poignant.
Jashodaben was born in 1952, now aged 72, and has led a life of quiet obscurity for over 50 years, starkly contrasting with her husband Modi's political career.
Modi and Jashodaben's marriage began when Modi was 18, part of traditional Indian customs.
However, their marriage did not bring Jashodaben the expected happiness.
Reports indicate that on their wedding night, Modi informed her that he had decided to remain celibate for life, which was a huge blow to Jashodaben.
In Indian society, women's status is already low, especially under traditional beliefs and societal expectations, forcing her into the difficult choice of living separately from Modi.
Jashodaben did not choose to divorce, as this would mean greater stigma and social isolation in Indian society.
Instead, she decided to take on the responsibilities of marriage alone, caring for Modi's parents and starting her educational journey with their support.
Despite facing numerous challenges, she eventually completed her high school education and worked as a teacher in a local primary school, demonstrating her indomitable spirit and independence.
However, even though Jashodaben led a simple and hardworking life before Modi became Prime Minister, her status did not improve after Modi's rise to power;
instead, she faced more restrictions and surveillance.
Reports indicate that she was placed in the home of Modi's family members, with 12 bodyguards monitoring her around the clock, out of concern that her actions might negatively impact Modi's political image.
This arrangement deprived Jashodaben of personal freedom, making her live under unimaginable surveillance, with every step closely watched, starkly contrasting her previously simple and autonomous life.
On the international stage, the spouse of the Indian Prime Minister is usually seen as part of the nation, but Jashodaben's situation reveals a deeper social issue.
Despite being the wife of the Indian Prime Minister, she has not enjoyed the corresponding dignity and support, instead being forced to live in her husband's political shadow, forgotten and ignored by society.
This contrast is not only shocking but also raises widespread reflections on the status and rights of women in Indian society.
Moreover, after Modi's re-election as Prime Minister, addressing such human rights and social issues has become an important agenda.
As a national leader, he must not only focus on the country's development and economic progress but also pay attention to and improve the living conditions of vulnerable social groups, especially the rights and social status of women.
The story of Modi and Jashodaben is not just a story of marriage but a profound reflection on social values and traditional customs.
Jashodaben's difficult life reflects the long-standing gender inequality and social injustice in Indian society, requiring the efforts and attention of the entire society to resolve and improve.
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