US-based podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman, whose recent social media viral interview with Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed on Saturday that he had been fasting for almost two days before the interview. He further added that this is how he mentally and spiritually prepared himself to have the interview.
"It has been 45 hours, only had water, no food in respect of this conversation, to be in the right mood, reach the spiritual plane," Fridman stated before inquiring PM Modi on regular fasting and its benefits.
Clarifying his point of view, PM Modi appreciated Fridman's gesture and described how fasting is necessary to refine intellectual capabilities, increase mental sharpness, and encourage self-discipline.
Elevating its scientific implication, PM Modi referred to fasting as a scientific process and not abstention from food. He underlined its retro connection with ancient and Ayurvedic sciences as well as supplemented that there has to be sufficient water before one can start fasting, which detoxifies. Contrary to the common misunderstanding of fasting leading to weakness, he asserted that actually, it gives him energy and increases his work rate.
The Prime Minister also recounted his early experiences with fasting, dating back to his childhood. He recalled how his first exposure to fasting was linked to a movement inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s advocacy for cow protection.
"A movement of Mahatma Gandhi's concept, his concept to preserve cows had reached school days. It was the time when people across the country took a one-day fast by staying at public points in silent protest. We were children, probably just a bit beyond elementary school. Someone's inner voice triggered, 'I have to do this,' and I fasted for the very first time in my life," he reminisced.
Looking back later, he mentioned, "I didn't have hunger or a desire for any food at the age. What I had instead was a fresh level of consciousness, an inner flow of energy."
Read also| Hurriyat Chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Placed Under House Arrest in Srinagar
Read also| No religion has such rich tradition of festivals as Sanatan Dharma, Says Yogi Adityanath
