NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

My strength lies not in my name, but in the backing of 1.4 billion Indians and thousands of years of timeless culture and heritage.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Wherever I go, I carry with me the essence of thousands of years of Vedic tradition and the timeless teachings of Swami Vivekananda, along with the blessings, dreams, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

When I shake hands with a world leader, it's not Modi, but 1.4 billion Indians doing so; this isn't my strength at all, it is rather the strength of India.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Whenever we speak of peace, the world listens to us because India is the land of Gautama Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, and we espouse harmony instead of strife and conflict.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

We seek neither to wage war against nature nor to foster strife among nations; we stand for peace and gladly embrace the responsibility of being peacemakers.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

My early life was spent in extreme poverty, but we never really felt the burden of poverty because we had never worn fine shoes, so we didn't know what we were missing.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

When I became Prime Minister, I invited Pakistan to my swearing-in ceremony to turn over a new leaf, but every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I believe even the people of Pakistan long for peace, and we sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them to choose the path of peace.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I welcome criticism because I believe it is the soul of democracy.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

To all young people, I say: no matter how dark the night may seem, it is still just night, and morning is bound to come; we need patience and self-confidence.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I am not defined by my circumstances; I am here for a purpose, sent by a higher power, and I am not alone; the one who sent me is always with me.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Difficulties are a test of endurance; they are not meant to defeat me, but to make me stronger and help me grow.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I see every crisis and challenge as an opportunity; have patience, there are no shortcuts in life.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

At our railway stations, there hangs a sign that reads, 'Shortcut will cut you short.' I would tell young people the same: there are no shortcuts in life.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Whatever responsibility we are given, we must pour our heart into it and find fulfillment in it; if this mindset is cultivated, it transforms life.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Learning should never stop; as long as I am alive, I must have a purpose, perhaps to keep learning and growing.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Instead of dreaming about getting and becoming, dream of doing something; focus on 'doing' something, and you won't feel discouraged if you fall short.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

True contentment doesn’t bloom on its own; it grows from the depths of what you give.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I grew up in a very small town, surrounded by a community, and my life was all about being part of that community.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I often found myself feeling inspired by the books I read, thinking about how I could shape my own life like those remarkable figures I read about.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I believe that the desire to learn should always remain alive, and I constantly experimented on myself to shape my own life.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I often experimented with my body and mind, testing my limits and shaping my life through various experiences and readings.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I believe that perhaps true contentment comes from giving, and if my heart is only filled with the hunger to receive, that hunger will never end.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Recognize the unity between the divine and the living; true non-duality is experienced through this realization.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I chose to stay back and serve a saint during a wedding in my family, feeling naturally drawn to serve those in need.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I often lost myself in thoughts about serving others, and I felt a strong desire to do something meaningful from a young age.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I spent time with remarkable saints who showered me with love and blessings, and I formed a special bond with Swami Atmasthananda Ji, who guided me towards a life of service.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I remember feeling a bit disheartened when Swami Atmasthananda Ji told me that my priority should be the welfare of society, not my own well-being.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

During my time in the Himalayas, I embraced the solitude of the mountains, practiced meditation, and served people with devotion, which became a seamless part of who I was.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I spent time in the Himalayas, embracing solitude and meeting remarkable individuals, which played a huge role in shaping me and discovering my inner power.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I often reflect on my childhood and the unique environment I grew up in, which had certain fascinating aspects that are quite rare.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I often reflect on my childhood and the unique environment I grew up in, which had certain fascinating aspects that are quite rare.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I initiated large-scale excavation projects in my village, uncovering findings that confirmed thousands of Buddhist monks once studied there, showcasing our rich heritage.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I initiated large-scale excavation projects in my village, uncovering findings that confirmed thousands of Buddhist monks once studied there, showcasing our rich heritage.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

The place where I was born holds its own unique historical significance, and I see it as my good fortune that some things in life unfold beyond our understanding.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

The place where I was born holds its own unique historical significance, and I see it as my good fortune that some things in life unfold beyond our understanding.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Kashi, also known as Banaras or Varanasi, is an eternal city that has remained vibrant and alive for centuries, and perhaps it was divine design that led me to make it my realm of duty.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Kashi, also known as Banaras or Varanasi, is an eternal city that has remained vibrant and alive for centuries, and perhaps it was divine design that led me to make it my realm of duty.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I grew up in a one-room house with my family, and despite the extreme poverty, we never felt the burden of it, as my parents worked incredibly hard to ensure we never felt the struggles of our circumstances.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

My father was extremely hardworking and disciplined, leaving the house early in the morning to visit temples and then reach his shop, making a distinct sound with his handmade shoes.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

My mother ensured that we never felt the struggles of our circumstances, and despite everything, these challenging circumstances never left a mark on our minds.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I remember a time when I ran into my uncle on my way to school, and he bought me a pair of canvas shoes, which I treasured as a symbol of great wealth.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I would collect leftover pieces of chalk from school to polish my shoes, and I made sure whatever I wore looked proper, even without arrangements for ironing clothes.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I remember my childhood experiences, like collecting chalk to polish my shoes, which were a treasured possession and a symbol of great wealth for me.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I would heat up water in a copper pot to press my clothes, ensuring I looked proper before heading off to school, finding joy in it.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I never thought about being poor or judged others for their struggles; we lived with joy and kept working hard without complaints.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

We lived carefree, enjoying whatever little we had, and kept working hard without complaints, which shaped my outlook on life.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Despite living in poverty, we never felt the burden of it; we lived carefree, enjoying whatever little we had and kept working hard.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

When I was taking my oath as Chief Minister, reporters went to my village, and that’s when people started asking about my background.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

My mother possessed an innate spirit of caring for others' well-being, treating children with traditional remedies and instilling values of empathy in me.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I believe that my life has been shaped by my mother, my father, my teachers, and the environment I grew up in.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I believe that my life has been shaped by my mother, my father, my teachers, and the environment I grew up in.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I believe that my life has been shaped by my mother, my father, my teachers, and the environment I grew up in, instilling values of empathy and service in me.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I could have been both a monk and a Prime Minister, but my spiritual commitment remains unwavering regardless of the title.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Every action I take is dedicated to serving others, and I see no real difference between being a saint and a leader.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

The RSS instilled in us the value of doing everything with a purpose, whether it's studying or exercising, to contribute to the nation.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

The RSS is a massive organization nearing its 100th anniversary, providing direction and purpose in life, emphasizing that serving the nation is akin to serving God.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Through the RSS, many initiatives like Seva Bharti and Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram are thriving, focusing on social service and education for the underprivileged.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

The RSS has established over 70,000 one-teacher schools in tribal regions, dedicated to educating tribal children.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

India's unity lies in its cultural bonds, with a shared identity that transcends the vast diversity of languages and customs.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I believe in the power of social change and strive to include the common man in everything I do, rather than leaving everything to the government.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Mahatma Gandhi's legacy transcends centuries, and he remains relevant today, influencing the lives of every Indian.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I represent a country that is the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, whose teachings are dedicated to peace, and that is why the world listens to us.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I have a close relationship with both Russia and Ukraine, and I advocate for peace, emphasizing that resolution can only come through negotiation.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Despite the historical tensions, I believe the people of Pakistan long for peace, as they too must be weary of living in strife and unrest.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I invited my Pakistani counterpart to my swearing-in as a gesture of goodwill, but noble attempts at fostering peace have often been met with hostility.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Sports have the power to energize the world and bring people together, and I believe they play a major role in human evolution.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

During my visit to the U.S., I witnessed President Trump's humility when he sat in the audience while I spoke, showing mutual trust between us.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I prioritize my country's interests in negotiations, advocating for India in a positive manner that does not offend others.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I have observed that President Trump seems far more prepared in his second run, with a clear roadmap toward his goals.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I removed 100 million fake names from government welfare programs, saving nearly ₹3 trillion through Direct Benefit Transfer.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

The relationship between India and China is not new, and I believe we can reinvigorate our friendship to deescalate tensions, as both nations have ancient cultures and civilizations that have significantly contributed to global good throughout history, with records suggesting they once accounted for over 50% of the world’s GDP.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Our relationship with China should remain strong and continue to grow, focusing on dialogue to ensure differences do not escalate into disputes.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Despite ongoing border disputes and tensions, recent meetings have led to a return to normalcy at the border, and we are working to restore trust and cooperation between India and China.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Modern wars are no longer just about resources; they encompass various conflicts across different domains, and international organizations are struggling to fulfill their roles effectively.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Criticism is essential for democracy, and I welcome it as it helps improve governance. However, I differentiate between genuine criticism and mere allegations, which can lead to unnecessary conflicts.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

India's Election Commission sets a global standard for conducting free and fair elections, managing a voter base that surpasses the entire population of North America.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I believe in the philosophy of one plus one, where I am never alone because I feel the presence of the Almighty guiding me in my service to the people.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

My motivation comes from the hard work of the people around me, including farmers and soldiers, which inspires me to give my best and not relax or sleep.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

I prioritize my country in decision-making, guided by the principle of considering how my actions affect the poorest citizens, as advised by Mahatma Gandhi.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

India will play a crucial role in the future of AI, as no global AI initiative can be complete without India's involvement and talent pool, highlighting that AI development is fundamentally a collaboration where everyone involved supports one another through shared experiences and learning.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

India is not just developing theoretical AI models; it is actively working on and bringing to life AI-driven applications for specific use cases, ensuring GPU access is available to every section of society through a unique marketplace-based model.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

A significant mindset shift is taking place in India, overcoming historical influences and traditional government procedures that previously made us appear as lagging behind.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

India became the fastest nation globally to roll out comprehensive 5G networks, despite initial perceptions of being far behind.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

India has access to an extraordinarily vast pool of talent, which is our greatest strength, as artificial intelligence is fundamentally powered, shaped, and guided by human intelligence.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Indian culture emphasizes equal respect for both the place of birth and the place of work, fostering a sense of dedication and collaboration among individuals, regardless of their roles.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Indians strive to give their best effort in any role, and they tend to remain dedicated to what's right and ethical, which contributes to their success in global leadership positions.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

The problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking of Indian professionals are exceptional, making them globally competitive and valuable on the international stage.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

In fields like innovation, entrepreneurship, and startups, Indians are achieving extraordinary results, as demonstrated by the opening of the space sector to private companies, resulting in 200 startups working in space technology.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

India's Chandrayaan mission was cost-effective, costing less than what Hollywood spends on a single blockbuster film, generating global respect for Indian talent.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Humans have always adapted to technological advancements, and with AI, we are being forced to reflect on what it truly means to be human, as human imagination fuels AI's potential.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Life and death are two sides of a coin; while death is certain, life is destined to flourish, so one should embrace life instead of fearing death.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

Meditation is simply being present in the moment, freeing oneself from distractions, and can be practiced in everyday life, enhancing focus and learning ability.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

The essence of meditation is to be fully present, which can be cultivated through simple practices that help one concentrate and tune into the moment.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

The path to understanding is through complete immersion in the world, where every experience, both positive and negative, is essential for growth.

NM

Narendra Modi

03/16/25

@ Lex Fridman

In the book "Siddhartha," the protagonist learns that true skills come from thinking, waiting, and fasting, which are essential for personal growth and freedom.

Narendra Modi: Prime Minister of India - Power, Democracy, War & Peace | Lex Fridman Podcast #460

Takeaways