Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his commitment to the core idea of “nation first” in his first podcast appearance. Hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, the podcast was released on Friday. Modi emphasized that he is open to new ideas, as long as they fit this central belief. “If I have to leave old ideas behind, I am ready to discard them. But the benchmark should be ‘nation first’,” he said.

Focus on Preparing the Next Generation

PM Modi discussed his approach to leadership. He stressed the importance of preparing future leaders. “My success lies in how I prepare my team who will be able to deftly handle things,” he stated. Although he sees a lot of potential in young politicians, he refrained from naming anyone, stating it would be unfair to others.

Learning from Mistakes

The Prime Minister reflected on his leadership journey. He admitted to making mistakes but insisted they never come from bad intentions. “I am human and I can make mistakes. But I will not do anything wrong out of bad intentions,” Modi explained. He described this as his life mantra.

Nation-First Ideology Over Personal Ambition

Modi elaborated on his governing philosophy. He said politics should always prioritize the nation over personal ambition. “When I became (Gujarat) chief minister, I said I will not spare any effort to work hard. I will not do anything for myself,” he added.

Empowering Women in Politics

Modi announced that one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies will soon be reserved for women. He encouraged women to prepare for future political roles. “They should become as capable as they can be to prepare themselves for assemblies and Parliament,” he said.

Governance Over Political Speeches

PM Modi also discussed his preference for governance over political speeches. He stated that his time is mainly spent on governing, not campaigning. “All my time is spent on governance outside elections,” he shared. He also emphasized his ability to take risks, stating, “My risk-taking ability is several times more.”

Vision for a Developed India

Looking ahead, PM Modi shared his vision for India by 2047. “My thoughts are in the context of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047,” he said. He noted that his approach has shifted from measurable progress to a broader, long-term outlook.

Simplifying Government Processes

PM Modi clarified his concept of “minimum government, maximum governance.” He explained it was not about reducing ministers but simplifying government processes. He highlighted the removal of over 40,000 compliances and the repeal of more than 1,500 laws as examples.

Life Lessons and Communication Skills

Reflecting on his early life, PM Modi shared that his struggles taught him valuable lessons. He explained that while he wasn’t a top student, he was always curious and participated in various activities. He also emphasized the importance of communication over oratorical skills. “Mahatma Gandhi’s life did the talking for him,” he noted.

Political Life and Dynastic Politics

PM Modi offered a perspective on politics, stating it’s not just about elections. He criticized dynastic politics, saying, “Some people are lucky. They don’t have to do anything but they keep getting benefits.”

A Personal Moment of Happiness

Finally, when asked about the happiest moment in his life, PM Modi recalled the day he called his mother after hoisting the national flag at Lal Chowk. He said it was a deeply emotional experience.

PM Modi’s podcast revealed his leadership vision, personal journey, and unwavering dedication to the nation’s progress.