Prime Minister Narendra Modi has entered the world of podcasts with Nikhil Kamath, the founder of the stock trading app Zerodha. During this podcast, PM Modi elaborated on various aspects of his life. He expressed that his risk-taking ability has not been fully utilized yet and that it is much greater than what's observed thus far. PM Modi explained the reasons behind this belief.
Reflecting on the early chapters of his life, PM Modi shared that he has seen many shocks throughout his journey. He said, "When I was young, perhaps in primary school — I don't remember exactly — a military school started in my state. I had a habit of reading newspapers, even advertisements. There was a library in my village where I frequently visited, and there I read about this military school. I ordered all the information about it in a parcel for one or one and a half rupees. Rasbihari Maniar was a principal living 300-400 meters from my house. With the parcel in hand, I went to his home and asked him to explain since I couldn't understand it."
PM Modi recounted that the principal was very kind and assured him, "Don't worry, I will help you." He learned that admission required exams and interviews. PM Modi shared everything with his father, who said, "We don't have money for this; stay in our village." There was a general perception about military schools as prestigious places serving the nation, which lingered in his mind and felt like a setback when he realized he couldn't pursue it.
'Desire for a Monk's Life'
PM Modi remarked that he remembered having a desire to embrace a monk's life. His first attempt was joining the Ramakrishna Mission. Swami Atmasthanananda Ji, who has now passed away, spoke extensively about him. He spent time there, but due to some rules, he didn't fit their criteria. He was rejected but not disheartened. His dream remained unfinished, marking another setback.
During the conversation with Nikhil Kamath, PM Modi mentioned his wanderings in search of spiritual sages. He admitted he did not achieve success there either, implying that destiny might have had other plans. Setbacks naturally occur in life.
Learning from Mistakes: PM Modi
Asked whether failures shaped his personality, PM Modi narrated, "While working with the RSS, they acquired a jeep. I had just learned to drive. Driving an officer from the trible area, while returning from Ukai Dam, there was a steep descent. Thinking I could save petrol, I turned off the engine, unaware of the trouble it would cause. The vehicle became uncontrollable, even brake usage was tricky. The front-passenger remained unaware of my mistake, but I learned a valuable lesson. People learn from their mistakes."
'Life Enriched by Experiences'
PM Modi asserted that life flourishes through experiences. He consistently remained outside of his comfort zone, equipped with knowledge on how to live differently.
Nikhil Kamath asked PM Modi if there's a reason he still believes in staying out of his comfort zone. The Prime Minister smiled and said, "I might not suit comfort, that's what it feels like." When asked why, he explained, "Because of the life I have lived... it's a huge thing for me. Even small joys bring me satisfaction because the heart is conditioned from childhood to find contentment."
'Moving Beyond the Comfort Zone'
Do you think comfort can hinder achieving ultimate goals? In response, PM Modi emphasized that many people fail in life due to becoming accustomed to comfort zones. Even a leading industrialist may face decline if they do not take risks and move beyond comfort. To progress in any life aspect, stepping out of the comfort zone is crucial. The mindset to take risks is always a driving force.
Nikhil Kamath asked if PM Modi's capacity for risk-taking has grown over time. PM Modi responded, "I think my capacity for risk-taking has not yet been fully tapped. It is likely much more significant. The reason is that I don't worry about things; I don't think about myself. Those who don't think of themselves possess an immense capacity for risk. This is the case with me. Today, I am who I am; tomorrow, I might not be the same, and I have no attachment to this thought."
