Summary
Highlights
Prime Minister Modi recounts his childhood in Vadnagar, Gujarat, a small town that was part of a Gaekwad state. He highlights the state's emphasis on education, with every village having a pond, post office, and library. He speaks about his ordinary student life, his teacher Veljibhai Chaudhary who saw talent in him, and his participation in various extracurricular activities like essay writing, drama, and Mallakhamba. He also shares a personal anecdote about Hiuen Tsang and the Chinese President's connection to his village, emphasizing the historical roots of Vadnagar.
Modi shares that he left home at a young age, losing contact with friends and family. After becoming Chief Minister, he made an effort to reconnect with his school friends, honor his teachers publicly, and meet his extended family, emphasizing his desire to remain grounded and acknowledge those who influenced his early life. He notes the challenge of bridging the gap between his past and present, as friends now viewed him as the CM rather than an old companion.
Modi distinguishes between becoming a politician and being successful in politics, emphasizing that dedication, responsibility, teamwork, and a 'Nation First' mindset are crucial. He argues that good people should enter politics with a mission, not ambition, drawing an analogy to Mahatma Gandhi's leadership style, which was based on his way of life and communication, not oratorical skills or political positions. He believes politics should be a sensitive field, driven by empathy for people's suffering.
Modi discusses how politics has changed with social media. He shares an anecdote about an 'Amdavadi' who is unbothered by abuse, applying this stoicism to his own approach to criticism. He sees social media as a tool that empowers democracy by allowing people to verify information, unlike the pre-social media era where limited reporting often led to unchallenged narratives. He highlights how social media has fostered enthusiasm among youth for national projects like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan.
Modi reflects on handling anxiety and challenges, sharing instances where he had to maintain emotional detachment in demanding situations, like the 2002 Gujarat elections or a series of bombings. He emphasizes the importance of focus and a mission-driven approach during crises. He also recalls personal setbacks, such as not being able to join a military school due to financial constraints and his unsuccessful attempt to join the Ramakrishna Mission, highlighting these as formative experiences.
Modi states his belief that discomfort is essential for progress in any field, including entrepreneurship and politics. He considers himself 'unfit for comfort' and feels grateful for a life lived outside a comfort zone, which has enhanced his risk-taking capacity. He attributes his unlimited risk-taking ability to never thinking for himself, focusing solely on the nation's interests, and not being driven by personal gain or fear of losing his position.
He describes a unique practice of taking a few days each year to go to remote places, away from human contact, to 'meet himself,' reflecting on identity and purpose. He shares an experience in the Rann of Kutch that profoundly impacted him, leading to the creation of Rann Utsav as CM, which has become a major tourist attraction. He also recalls his first phone call to his mother after hoisting the tricolor flag in Srinagar's Lal Chowk, a moment of personal joy and a testament to his bond with his mother.
Modi addresses the perception that politics is dirty and requires a lot of money. He cites an example of a doctor who successfully contested an election by collecting one rupee from each person, emphasizing that public trust and dedication are more important than wealth. He advocates for politics beyond elections, encouraging engagement in social work that ultimately creates political influence. He elaborates on his 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' philosophy, clarifying it as reducing cumbersome processes and compliances rather than cutting jobs, to accelerate reforms and delivery in governance.
Modi emphasizes the importance of changing India's global perception, attributing success to combining the strengths of the global Indian community and their positive image abroad. He recalls a past setback when the US denied him a visa as CM, but he envisioned a new India where the world would queue for Indian visas. He believes India's youth, with their digital prowess and aspiration, will drive the nation to become a developed country by 2047, focusing on comprehensive delivery of essentials and true social justice.
Modi expresses immense faith in the youth, citing their entrepreneurial spirit even in rural areas. He contrasts the 'disastrous' perception of start-ups in the past with their current status as a source of national pride. He describes his current third term as radically different from the previous two, driven by an ambitious vision for India by 2047. He encourages women and youth to join politics, emphasizing the need for creative leadership that solves problems and fosters national growth, regardless of party affiliation, to usher in a new era for the country.