By Ashok Pandey,
In an unprecedented and deeply revealing podcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, one of the world’s busiest politicians, stepped away from the rigours of governance to share the lesser-known, profoundly human side of his life. Hosted by Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, as part of the People by WTF series, this two-hour-long dialogue provided a rare glimpse into the personal reflections, leadership philosophy, and connection to the grassroots of a global statesman.
Authenticity in leadership
A standout moment was when PM Modi reflected on his roots, sharing heartfelt anecdotes about his humble beginnings in Vadnagar, Gujarat – a childhood shaped by the Gaekwad state’s emphasis on education, community, and simplicity. The PM’s narratives about honouring his teachers and reconnecting with childhood friends and those who supported him during his early days as an RSS pracharak showcased a leader grounded in gratitude and humility.
“Your mission should be above ambition,” he remarked, encapsulating his philosophy of leadership as a selfless service to society. This perspective resonates as a timeless reminder that true leaders derive their strength from their authenticity and purpose.
Resilience & human sensitivity
Modi’s reflections on setbacks, including the Chandrayaan-2 failure, were striking for their candour. Rather than lamenting the disappointment, he rallied the nation’s scientists, inspiring them to strive harder, which eventually led to the resounding success of the Chandrayaan-3. His approach to challenges revealed a core belief: “Failures are inevitable, but they are the stepping stones to success.”
Equally poignant was his emphasis on empathy as the foundation of public service. Recalling childhood memories of women trekking miles for water, the PM highlighted how these experiences shaped his commitment to ensuring basic amenities like piped water, electricity, and toilets for all.
Lessons for the young generation
Addressing the youth, PM Modi challenged conventional notions of politics as a quest for power. “Politics requires sensitive people – those who can deeply feel others’ pain and work tirelessly to alleviate it,” he observed. He also emphasised the transformative power of the social media, describing it as a tool that, when harnessed responsibly, can strengthen democracy and foster informed discourse.
Creativity, communication & spirituality
A key takeaway from the conversation was PM Modi’s creative approach to communication. Drawing parallels between entrepreneurship and governance, he underscored the importance of clear and impactful messaging. Reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi, he noted, “Gandhi’s way of life was his communication; it spoke louder than words.” For the PM, it is not just about delivering speeches but also about embodying the trust and integrity that inspire action. This principle, he stressed, is non-negotiable for those in public life. PM Modi’s reflections also revealed a man profoundly influenced by spirituality, which serves as a guiding force for his policies and programmes.
An inspiring & groundbreaking dialogue
This podcast was groundbreaking not just for its content but also for its format. Hosted by a young entrepreneur instead of a seasoned journalist, the dialogue broke away from traditional norms, creating a relaxed, candid atmosphere. PM’s openness revealed many unknown facets of his life – an unusual vulnerability for a leader of his stature. From childhood struggles to lessons from failures, the conversation was as inspiring as it was intimate.
The author is chairperson, Council for Global Citizenship Education.
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