News Brief
'Nation First' Should Be The Benchmark: Key Highlights Of Prime Minister Modi's Podcast Debut
PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appearing on his first-ever podcast hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, highlighted his openness to discarding old ideas if they do not align with his "nation first" ideology.
The podcast, released on Friday (10 January), offered a rare glimpse into the leader's thoughts on governance, his guiding principles, and the future of Indian politics.
Emphasising Team Building for Long-Term Success
PM Modi revealed that he measures his success by preparing a capable team that can handle responsibilities effectively.
Recalling his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, he said, "I can see people with a lot of potential. When I was in Gujarat, I would say that I want to go after preparing (team) for the next 20 years. I am doing it. My success lies in how I prepare my team who will be able to deftly handle things. This is my benchmark for me."
When asked about young politicians with potential, PM Modi refrained from naming individuals, saying, "If I say a name it will be injustice to many others."
"Mistakes Are Inevitable, But Bad Intentions Are Not an Option"
He emphasised the importance of good intentions in leadership and acknowledged that errors are part of human nature.
The Prime Minister shared a personal mantra that has guided his life: "I am human and I can make mistakes. But I will not do anything wrong out of bad intentions. I have made it a mantra of my life. Mistakes are inevitable. I must have made mistakes. I am a human too, not a god."
Women's Representation in Politics
PM Modi underscored the importance of women's participation in politics, noting the upcoming reservation of one-third of seats for women in assemblies and the Lok Sabha.
He encouraged women to prepare themselves for these roles, pointing to their existing representation in local bodies due to reservations in many states.
Governance Over Politics
Describing himself as "not a typical politician," PM Modi stated that his primary focus is governance rather than political activities.
He noted, "I have to make political speeches during elections. It is my compulsion. I don't like it, but I have to do it."
A Risk-Taker Focused on a "Viksit Bharat"
PM Modi expressed confidence in his ability to take risks, stating, "My risk-taking ability is several times more," attributing this to his lack of personal concerns.
He shared that his dreams for the country have expanded in his third term, with his focus now on building a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047.
Reflections on Life and Struggles
Reflecting on his formative years, PM Modi described himself as an ordinary student who studied to pass but excelled in extracurricular activities.
He credited his struggles as his "university," recounting how financial constraints prevented him from applying to an Army school but did not deter his spirit.
Communication and Leadership
PM Modi emphasizsd that effective communication matters more than oratory skills, citing Mahatma Gandhi's life as an example. "Mahatma Gandhi was not much of an orator, but he lived such a life that did the 'talking' for him," he said.
Politics Beyond Elections
Reiterating his belief that politics is not just about contesting elections, PM Modi highlighted the challenges of political life.
"Some people are lucky. They don't have to do anything but they keep getting benefits," he remarked in a veiled reference to dynastic politics.
Memorable Moments and Emotional Highs
PM Modi recounted calling his mother after successfully hoisting the national flag at Lal Chowk during the BJP's 'Ekta Yatra' in 1992.
"That was a moment of immense happiness," he shared.
