Influences of Poverty, RSS, and Upbringing in PM Modi’s Governance Philosophy
In a podcast with Lex Fridman, PM Modi discussed how poverty, the influence of Swami Vivekananda, and the RSS molded his governance philosophies. He emphasized the importance of public trust, collective movements, and the need for constructive dialogue in international relations, highlighting his personal experiences and insights on leadership and national service.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his life experiences and governance philosophy during a podcast with Lex Fridman, emphasizing the impact of his childhood hardships, the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, and the influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He detailed how these factors contributed to his commitment to people-centric governance and his understanding of national transformation, underscoring his responsibility towards ordinary citizens.
Modi reflected on his upbringing, asserting that, despite experiencing poverty, he felt no burden from it. He recounted a personal narrative about cleaning shoes, which illustrated his dedication and work ethic. He stated, “We never thought about being poor, or judged about how others lived…” showcasing a carefree attitude through hard work.
Influenced by Swami Vivekananda, Modi stated that he discovered that true happiness is derived from selfless service rather than personal achievements. He expressed gratitude for the teachings he received from the RSS, which he credited for instilling in him a sense of purpose centered around national service. He noted the contributions of the RSS, compared to leftist organizations, in promoting educational initiatives through Vidya Bharti, which operates thousands of schools across India.
Modi articulated the foundations of his governance model as being rooted in public trust rather than electioneering, delineating a policy of inclusiveness where benefits are delivered uniformly. He referenced Mahatma Gandhi’s model of the freedom struggle, emphasizing the importance of collective participation in societal movements.
On international matters, he discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for negotiations to resolve the situation rather than lingering on a battlefield. Modi also reflected on his amicable relationship with both President Putin and President Zelensky, urging both toward peaceful dialogue.
Recalling a memorable moment with former President Trump, Modi shared insights from their relationship and highlighted a significant event where Trump walked with him in a public arena, recognizing their mutual trust. He characterized Trump’s dedication to his country and compared their respective nationalistic approaches—”America First” and “Nation First.”
Addressing the contentious topic of the 2002 Gujarat riots, Modi spoke about the false narratives aimed at targeting him personally, characterized by political adversaries. He pointed out that before the riots, Gujarat had a history of communal violence and noted that there have been no major incidents since 2002, urging listeners to consider the broader context of events leading up to that period.
Modi highlighted the necessity of understanding terrorism emanating from neighboring regions, specifically addressing the roots of instability in Pakistan while expressing optimism about Indo-Pak relations. He reminisced about his attempt to foster peace during his premiership and advocated for constructive ties with China based on shared cultural heritage.
In summary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reflections during the podcast illuminated the profound influences of poverty, education, and selfless service that shaped his governance philosophy. He emphasized the importance of public trust, collective societal strength, and the necessity of negotiation in international conflicts. Through personal anecdotes and discussions on past challenges, Modi articulated a vision of leadership rooted in care for the citizenry and a commitment to national progress.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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