PM Modi’s Important Message to Youth

As I began watching PM Modi’s recent podcast with Nikhil Kamath, my initial reaction was, “Why him?” Kamath appeared uneasy, his questions were basic and not well-articulated, and he seemed like a typical corporate start-up executive. Upon looking him up, I found my assumptions were accurate—except for discovering he has a $3 billion net worth.

As the podcast unfolded, the contrast between them became evident. Kamath embodied a Westernized Indian mindset, driven by ambition and materialistic self-gratification. In contrast, Modi, who joined the RSS as an eight-year-old volunteer, represented Indian ethos and philosophy rooted in selfless service, nation-first ideals, and a life dedicated to giving without expecting anything in return.

Six months ago, my husband and I joined the RSS in Sydney, attending weekly Shakha sessions with our Shakha family (parivar). Observing children at Shakha, I see echoes of Modi’s own formative years. These kids grow with strong moral foundations, like deeply rooted trees that flourish and reach great heights. Even in my brief experience, the difference in character and values is striking. Shakha nurtures individuals who are grounded, resilient, and destined to grow tall while staying firmly rooted. 

There were 5 responses of Modiji to Nikhil Kamaths’ questions that stood out and brought about what can be achieved by adopting the Indian yogic philosophy in life beautifully. 

When asked how he handles anxiety, Modiji said he doesn’t experience it. He focuses on his work and the people he serves, making service his guiding principle. This mindset helps him overcome personal challenges by channeling all efforts into service.

In today's world, self-image dominates—how one looks, how others perceive them, and societal approval. This external focus gives control of one’s emotions to others, reflecting a materialistic, image-conscious society. In contrast, Modiji embodies a philosophy of internal self-transformation, where one answers only to oneself and their higher purpose. Anxiety fades in this paradigm. Similarly, children attending Shakha from a young age naturally develop this inward-focused mindset of self-growth and resilience.

Modiji shared that as a child, he wasn’t competitive and enjoyed trying new things but lacked focus to excel in one area. When Nikhil K linked this to Jedu Krishnamurthy’s philosophy of shunning competition, Modiji candidly admitted he was simply lazy.

This honesty is refreshing. Many public figures manipulate narratives about their lives, crafting idealized stories that influence others. Such falsehoods can mislead parents and educators into misguided beliefs, like blaming competition for a child’s underperformance. Modiji’s straightforwardness avoids this, reinforcing a key yogic principle: acknowledging the true nature of things fosters clarity and growth.

Modiji emphasized that young people entering politics should focus on a mission, not ambition. In a world driven by greed, this perspective is refreshing and aligns with the Bhagavad Gita's teaching to prioritize duty over outcomes. He explained that a mindset centered on personal gain—what one can get, amass, or become—lacks longevity. Instead, he shared the three promises he made upon entering politics: to work hard, remain selfless, and acknowledge his humanity, including the possibility of mistakes, but with no intent to harm.

This humility and mission-oriented approach stand out, especially in an era where politics often lacks integrity. It reflects the values instilled by the RSS, an organization that fosters character building, selfless service, and a "nation first" mindset. Leaders like Modiji are a testament to its influence, embodying ideals that inspire trust and respect globally. 

Another jackpot Modiji makes when he says more important than ideology is idealism. Ideology is a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy. Idealism in philosophy is the belief that reality is fundamentally shaped by mind, spirit, or consciousness, and that ideas are the truest form of reality. Indian philosophy argues for an all-pervading consciousness as the true nature and ground of reality. Reading through the definitions itself tells you that ideology is static, it holds you down to a certain set of ideas whereas idealism is dynamic, it is freeing, it allows you to move around and evolve change with the guiding principle of being true to consciousness and rooted in reality.  

My favorite moment was Modiji’s response to whether politicians need to be thick-skinned. He said they should be "संवेदनशील" (sensitive)—emotionally perceptive, considerate, and responsive to others. This stood out because it challenges the common stereotype that politicians are inherently bad. Growing up, I often heard such generalizations, which conflicted with my belief that politicians, as representatives of society, reflect the values of the people they serve.

Modiji’s response offered a refreshing perspective. Instead of dwelling on personal attacks or trolling, he emphasized the true essence of public service: empathy and a genuine commitment to humanity. He highlighted that being a politician requires "खप जाना"—dedicating oneself entirely to serving others. This profound insight redefines what it means to lead and reminds us of the deep sense of responsibility and compassion essential for meaningful public service. 

By the end of the podcast, I could fully appreciate Nikhil K’s interview with Narendra Modi. It beautifully highlighted the contrast between two distinct philosophies and ways of life. Having joined the RSS recently I realize that the mindset and way of life it fosters are deeply rooted in Indian philosophy, guided by the principles of the Bhagavad Gita and the Vedas. As you grow older and experience life’s truths, you naturally gravitate toward these teachings, which emphasize that true happiness lies in giving, selfless service, competing with yourself, and focusing on inner transformation—the ultimate purpose of life.