'Mistakes make us human': PM Modi opens up on anxiety, leadership and life's challenges in podcast debut with Zerodha co-founder
PTC Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently made his podcast debut on Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath’s People by WTF series, engaging in a candid conversation that revealed lesser-known facets of his life, leadership, and coping mechanisms. From addressing his mistakes to recounting significant moments during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, the podcast offered a rare glimpse into the Prime Minister's personal reflections and professional journey.
'Mistakes make us human'
During the two-hour podcast, PM Modi acknowledged that he is not immune to making mistakes, saying, “Mistakes happen, and I too can make some.
The conversation began on a light note, with Nikhil Kamath sharing his nervousness and joking about his "bad Hindi" due to his South Indian roots. Kamath remarked, "Sir, please forgive me if my Hindi is not good. I grew up in Bangalore and learned Hindi in school, but I lack fluency." Reassuring Kamath, PM Modi replied, "Hum dono ki aise hi chalegi" (We will manage together like this), putting him at ease.
Anecdotes from childhood and early life
PM Modi delved into his formative years, sharing personal anecdotes about his childhood and early education. I used to wash the clothes of all my family members. Because of that, I was allowed to go to the pond," he recalled with a smile.
He also spoke about his unexpected entry into politics and how he navigated the challenges of leadership. “Wherever I am today, I had never planned for that. When I became a Chief Minister, I was surprised. I didn’t choose this path for myself; I got a responsibility, and I focused on doing it well,” he said.
Coping with anxiety and leadership challenges
When asked about dealing with anxiety and restlessness, PM Modi shared a unique approach, stating that he channels his emotions into his mission. He elaborated on his response to the 2002 Gujarat elections, which he described as one of the most challenging periods of his life.
"I held a position where I had to control my emotions. For example, during the 2002 Gujarat elections, I told everyone not to inform me about the results until noon. At around 11:00 am, I heard drums beating outside the Chief Minister's bungalow. Later, I learned I was leading with a two-thirds majority. Despite the restlessness, I focused on my responsibilities and overcame the feelings," he said.
Recalling his handling of bomb blasts in Gujarat, PM Modi revealed his hands-on approach, despite security concerns. “I wanted to go to the police control room and hospitals, even though my security team advised against it. I said, ‘Whatever happens will happen; I will go.’ There was anxiety, but I stayed committed to my mission.”
The Godhra train incident
PM Modi also recounted his experience during the 2002 Godhra train burning incident, which occurred just three days after he became an MLA. “I was restless and worried when I heard about the tragic incident. I wanted to go to Godhra immediately, but there was no helicopter available. Eventually, a single-engine helicopter was arranged, and I took full responsibility to ensure I could reach the site. It was a horrifying scene with numerous dead bodies. As a human, I felt deeply, but I had to rise above my emotions to handle the situation effectively,” he recalled.
A different mantra for handling stress
When asked about his perspective on worst-case scenarios, the Prime Minister explained that he doesn’t dwell on thoughts of life or death. “I have never planned my life in a calculated way. My background is such that even if I had become a primary school teacher, my mother would have celebrated it as a big achievement. I don’t burden myself with thoughts like, ‘What if this doesn’t happen?’ I simply focus on my responsibilities,” he said.
'Pariksha Pe Charcha'
Sharing insights from his interactions with students during Pariksha Pe Charcha events, PM Modi advised treating exams as routine activities rather than sources of stress. His practical tips and relatable anecdotes have made these sessions immensely popular among young learners.
Podcast trailer gains traction online
The podcast trailer was shared by PM Modi on X (formerly Twitter), with the caption, “I hope you all enjoy this as much as we enjoyed creating it for you!” The episode has been widely appreciated for its candid tone and the Prime Minister’s willingness to share personal experiences.
- With inputs from agencies
