Written by Ashok Pandey
In an unprecedented and deeply revealing podcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, one of the world’s busiest politicians, steps away from his strict governance to share the deeply human aspects of his life that are lesser known. did. As part of the People by WTF series, this two-hour conversation hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath provides a glimpse into the global politician’s personal reflections, leadership philosophy, and grassroots connections. I was able to do that.
Authenticity in leadership
A standout moment was when PM Modi reflected on his roots and shared a heartfelt anecdote about his humble beginnings in Vadnagar, Gujarat. It was a childhood shaped by the Gaekwad nation’s emphasis on education, community, and simplicity. Paying tribute to his teachers, the Prime Minister’s talk about reuniting with childhood friends and those who supported him in his early days as an RSS pracharak showed that he is a leader based on gratitude and humility.
“Your mission must be more than ambition,” he said, summarizing his philosophy of leadership as selfless service to society. This perspective resonates as a timeless reminder that true leaders draw strength from their authenticity and purpose.
Resilience and human sensitivity
Prime Minister Modi’s candor about setbacks, including the Chandrayaan-2 failure, was impressive. Rather than lament the disappointment, he rallied the country’s scientists and inspired them to work harder, which ultimately led to Chandrayaan-3’s huge success. His approach to challenges revealed a core belief: “Failure is inevitable, but failure is a stepping stone to success.”
Equally moving was the emphasis on empathy as a cornerstone of public service. Recalling childhood memories of women trekking miles in search of water, the prime minister said these experiences informed his efforts to ensure basic amenities such as running water, electricity and toilets for all. He emphasized how it was formed.
Lessons for the younger generation
Addressing young people, Prime Minister Modi challenged traditional notions of politics as the pursuit of power. “Politics requires sensitive people, people who deeply feel the pain of others and can work tirelessly to alleviate it,” he said. He also highlighted the transformative power of social media, describing it as a tool that, when used responsibly, can strengthen democracy and foster informed debate.
creativity, communication, spirituality
A key takeaway from the conversation was Prime Minister Modi’s creative approach to communication. He drew parallels between entrepreneurship and governance and emphasized the importance of clear and impactful messaging. Reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi, he said: It spoke louder than words. ”For the Prime Minister, it’s not just about making a speech, it’s also about embodying the trust and integrity that inspires action. This principle is non-negotiable for those involved in public life, he stressed. Prime Minister Modi’s recollections also reveal him to be a man deeply influenced by spirituality, a guiding force in his policies and programmes.
A stimulating and groundbreaking conversation
This podcast was groundbreaking not only in its content but also in its format. Moderated by a young entrepreneur rather than an experienced journalist, the conversation broke away from traditional norms and created a relaxed and candid atmosphere. The prime minister’s candor revealed many unknown aspects of his life, vulnerabilities unusual for a leader of his stature. From childhood struggles to lessons from failure, the conversation was both intimate and inspiring.
The author is the chairman of the Global Citizenship Education Council.
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