Mission over ambition: Leadership mantras from PM Modis' candid podcast – Life News

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 rigors of governance to share the lesser-known and deeply human side of his life. Hosted by Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, as part of the People by WTF series, the two-hour dialogue gave a rare insight into one man's personal reflections, leadership philosophy and grassroots connections of world state.

Authenticity in leadership

A notable moment was when Prime Minister Modi reflected on his roots, sharing candid anecdotes about his humble beginnings in Vadnagar, Gujarat, a childhood shaped by Gaekwad State's emphasis on education , community and simplicity. The Prime Minister's stories of honoring his teachers and reconnecting with his childhood friends and those who supported him during his early days as an RSS pracharak showcased a leader grounded in gratitude and humility.

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Your mission must be above ambition, he remarked, summarizing his philosophy of leadership as selfless service to society. This perspective resonates as a timeless reminder that true leaders draw their strength from their authenticity and purpose.

Resilience and human sensitivity

Modi's reflections on setbacks, including the failure of Chandrayaan-2, were striking in their frankness. Rather than lament this disappointment, he rallied the country's scientists, inspiring them to redouble their efforts, which ultimately led to the resounding success of the Chandrayaan-3. His approach to challenges revealed a fundamental belief: failures are inevitable, but they are the stepping stones to success.

Equally poignant was the emphasis on empathy as the foundation of public service. Recalling childhood memories of women walking miles to fetch water, the Prime Minister highlighted how these experiences shaped his commitment to ensuring basic amenities like running water, electricity and toilets for all.

Lessons for the younger generation

Addressing the youth, Prime Minister Modi challenged conventional notions of politics as a quest for power. Politics needs sensitive people who can feel deeply the pain of others and work tirelessly to alleviate it, he observed. He also highlighted the transformative power of social media, describing it as a tool that, when harnessed responsibly, can strengthen democracy and foster informed discourse.

Creativity, communication and spirituality

One of the key takeaways from the conversation was PM Modi's creative approach to communication. Drawing parallels between entrepreneurship and governance, he stressed the importance of clear and impactful messages. Reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi, he noted, Gandhi's way of life was his communication; it spoke louder than words. For the Prime Minister, it is not just about giving speeches, but also about embodying the trust and integrity that inspires action. This principle, he stressed, is non-negotiable for actors in public life. Prime Minister Modis' reflections also revealed a man deeply influenced by spirituality, which serves as a guiding force for his policies and programs.

An inspiring and revolutionary dialogue

This podcast was revolutionary not only in its content but also in its format. Hosted by a young entrepreneur rather than a seasoned journalist, the dialogue broke with traditional norms, creating a relaxed and candid atmosphere. The prime minister's open-mindedness revealed many unknown facets of his life, an unusual vulnerability for a leader of his stature. From childhood struggles to lessons from failure, the conversation was as inspiring as it was intimate.

The author is president of the Council for Global Citizenship Education.

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