Laxmanrao Madhavrao Inamdar, affectionately known as "Vakil Saheb," was a pivotal figure in shaping the early life and political trajectory of Narendra Modi. Born on September 19, 1917, in Khatav, a village south of Pune, Inamdar was a founding member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Gujarat. He is credited with inducting a young Narendra Modi into the RSS as a balswayamsevak (junior cadet) and becoming his primary political mentor.

Inamdar's influence on Modi began in the early 1960s when Modi was a young boy in Vadnagar, Gujarat. Inamdar, a pranth pracharak (regional organiser) of the RSS, traveled extensively throughout Gujarat to inspire young people to join the RSS. Modi was captivated by Inamdar's oratory skills and his ability to connect with people using everyday examples. Modi writes in Jyotipunj, his 2008 compilation of biographies of RSS figures, that Inamdar "had the ability to use everyday examples to convince his listeners".

Those close to both men have noted the profound impact Inamdar had on Modi. Seshadri Chari, a member of the BJP national executive, stated that "Narendra Modi's formative years were spent in RSS and Vakil Saheb has had the greatest impact on him". Prabhat Kumar, who has published several of Modi's books, including Inamdar's biography, said that "Modi attributes his entire personality to Vakil Saheb". Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, author of a 2013 biography of Modi, noted the extraordinary reverence Modi held for Inamdar, stating, "I haven't seen this kind of reverence in Modi for anyone, living or dead". Modi himself has said that Inamdar was the only person he ever confided in.

In 1972, Inamdar formally inducted Modi into the RSS as a pracharak (full-time worker). Recognizing Modi's potential, Inamdar encouraged him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree. He even provided Modi with study materials for his Delhi University course, which Modi completed in political science in 1973. Later, in keeping with Inamdar's wishes, Modi completed his Master of Arts degree in political science from Gujarat University in 1982.

Inamdar provided Modi with opportunities to broaden his horizons and rise within the RSS. He involved Modi in various activities, including distributing pamphlets during the Emergency and escorting George Fernandes to safe houses. After the Emergency, Inamdar sent Modi to Delhi to coordinate the documentation of RSS resistance during that period. Subsequently, Modi's career advanced, and he was promoted to Vibhag Pracharak and later Sambhag Pracharak in Vadodara.

Inamdar's guidance extended beyond politics. With Modi's relationship with his own father being somewhat strained, Inamdar became a father-like figure to Modi, guiding him in both political and personal matters. Modi heeded Inamdar's advice at every crucial juncture in his life, including his return to Gujarat after leaving his family as a teenager.

Lakshmanrao Inamdar passed away in 1985 after battling terminal cancer. His death left a significant void in Modi's life. Modi co-wrote a biography of Inamdar titled Setubandh in 2001 and included a chapter on him in his 2008 book Jyotipunj. In Jyotipunj, Modi credited Inamdar with establishing 150 RSS shakhas in 3–4 years following the lifting of a ban on the RSS in 1952.

Inamdar's legacy extends beyond his direct influence on Narendra Modi. He was a dedicated RSS pracharak who worked tirelessly to promote the organization's ideology and build its presence in Gujarat. He inspired countless individuals to devote their lives to the RSS and contribute to nation-building. His work in the cooperative sector in Maharashtra and Gujarat is also noteworthy. He played a key role in establishing Sahakar Bharati, an organization dedicated to promoting cooperation and national fervor.

Laxmanrao Inamdar's impact on Narendra Modi's life and career is undeniable. He served as a mentor, guide, and father figure, shaping Modi's political ideology, encouraging his education, and providing him with opportunities to grow within the RSS. Inamdar's influence is evident in Modi's leadership, his commitment to the RSS ideology, and his dedication to nation-building.