‘I am human and may make mistakes",: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Debuts on Podcast

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently made his podcast debut on People by WTF, hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. In this engaging and candid conversation, PM Modi shared personal stories, reflected on the challenges of public life, and addressed thought-provoking questions from children.

Handling Criticism with Grace

A key moment in the discussion arose when Modi recounted a humorous anecdote in response to a common question from children: "What does it feel like to see yourself on television, and how do you handle constant criticism?"

To illustrate his approach to criticism, the Prime Minister shared a story from Ahmedabad. A scooter rider, after narrowly avoiding an accident, remained unperturbed even after enduring a tirade of verbal abuse. When asked how he stayed calm, the rider replied, “He’s only giving me abuses, not taking anything away.” Modi used this story to underscore the importance of staying grounded, stating that criticism is inevitable, but maintaining one’s integrity and truth is paramount.

Reflections on Public Service

Addressing the inherent challenges of public life, Modi acknowledged that disagreements are a natural part of human interaction, whether in families, workplaces, or politics. He highlighted the importance of empathy in public service, emphasizing that without sensitivity and compassion, one cannot truly serve the people.

The podcast provided listeners with a rare glimpse into the Prime Minister’s personal philosophy, particularly his approach to leadership and resilience.

Life’s Guiding Principles

Modi also shared his guiding mantra, rooted in hard work and good intentions:

“When I became the Chief Minister, I said three things: ‘I will not shy away from hard work,’ ‘I will not do anything for myself,’ and ‘I am human and may make mistakes, but I will never act with bad intentions.’ This has been my guiding principle throughout life.”

Acknowledging human fallibility, Modi reiterated that mistakes are inevitable but must never stem from malicious intent.

On Idealism and Ideology

Speaking on the balance between idealism and ideology, the Prime Minister stressed the need for idealism in public service. While acknowledging that politics inherently involves ideological differences, he emphasized that the ultimate goal should always prioritize the nation. He drew parallels to Mahatma Gandhi and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who had divergent approaches but were united in their commitment to India’s freedom.

In closing, Modi reiterated that his own ideology is driven by a singular focus: putting the nation first. The podcast has resonated widely, offering a deeper understanding of the Prime Minister’s personal beliefs and approach to leadership in the face of challenges.

This debut podcast not only highlighted Modi’s insights but also provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, reflecting his commitment to transparency and connection with people across all walks of life.