In a candid and insightful conversation with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath in his first-ever podcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need for youth participation in politics and said that they should take the political plunge but with a spirit of dedication and sacrifice.
The podcast trailer was shared by PM Modi himself on his X handle.
PM Modi wrote: "I hope you all enjoy this as much as we enjoyed creating it for you!".
In an exhaustive two-hour conversation in his first podcast, PM Modi spoke on issues covering everything from his early years, education, setbacks, and risk management abilities. He also reflected on some life principles that define successful political careers, urging young individuals to approach politics with a spirit of "sacrifice and dedication, rather than ambition alone."
PM Modi emphasized that becoming a politician is not the same as succeeding in politics, which means one has to be dedicated, empathetic, and able to work as a team for true success.
"Winning people's hearts and living their lives with them is what makes a good leader," he said.
Prime Minister further said that it is "crucial for good people to join politics with a mission, not for personal ambitions".
Talking about youth joining politics, he said, "India needs one lakh committed young politicians with a selfless urge to serve the nation".
He also repeated his statement from the Red Fort while saying, "India needs one lakh young leaders who come before the ambition of the country before the ambition of themselves".
"I said from Red Fort that the nation needs one lakh such youth to come into politics. I think if the aim is just to take, achieve, and become, then that ambition won't last long. In politics, the aim is sacrifice," said PM Modi.
The other qualities of a great leader include empathy, hard work, and communication skills, as pointed out by PM Modi. Using Mahatma Gandhi as an example, he clarified how the leader's principles motivated others even when Gandhi himself didn't wear a cap while most of his followers did.
PM Modi spoke about unity and selflessness.
"During the independence revolution, every section of society united for the love of the nation. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi were not defined by appearances or age but by principles and dedication to the country," he remarked.
Here, taking the example of Ashok Bhatt, party worker and minister, PM Modi appreciated his dedication. He noted how Bhatt used to answer calls in half ring at any time, and personally would turn up and sort out issues for accident-prone roads in Vadodara. He found such selfless commitment typifies the rough but fulfilling nature of life in politics.
He also shared personal anecdotes about how he left home at a young age and lost contact with childhood friends.
"After becoming Chief Minister of Gujarat, I invited about 35 of his former classmates, teachers, relatives, (in separate meetings) after leaving home in young age at the official residence to reconnect and catch up with them," he told Kamath, underlining that such gathering kept him grounded and humble.
Nikhil Kamath also lauded PM Modi’s vision and expressed hope that the podcast would motivate young people to view politics as a 'meaningful' career path.
