Podcast host and AI researcher Lex Fridman disclosed that he went on a two-day fast prior to interviewing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to gain a clear and spiritual state of mind. He mentioned this in their three-hour talk, saying, “I am fasting today. It is nearly two days, 45 hours. I have not eaten anything, only water. In honour of this conversation, just to get in the right mindset and spiritual level.” The comment elicited a smile from PM Modi, who appeared to be pleasantly surprised.
Take a look at the video here:
Here's my conversation with @narendramodi, Prime Minister of India.
It was one of the most moving & powerful conversations and experiences of my life.
This episode is fully dubbed into multiple languages including English and Hindi. It's also available in the original (mix of… pic.twitter.com/85yUykwae4
— Lex Fridman (@lexfridman) March 16, 2025
PM Modi on Fasting and Self-Discipline
Appreciating Fridman’s initiative, PM Modi said, “I am really pleasantly surprised and honoured that you are fasting. All the more because it feels like you are fasting as a tribute of respect for me.” He then discussed the importance of fasting in his life, terming it as a “method of self-discipline” which strengthens both the inner and outer self.
“It balances the inner and outer self. While fasting, the senses get super sensitive, exceptionally sharp and attuned. Fasting also fast-tracks the thinking process,” the prime minister said.
PM Modi unveiled that prior to fasting, he gives his body a conditioning with the help of Ayurvedic ways and yoga in order to make the transition easy. He is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and maintains a disciplined regime, having only one meal a day for four to five months of the year. He said that he has been doing this for more than 50-55 years.
Fasting During Bilateral Talks with Barack Obama
Citing a previous incident, PM Modi remembered how one time while observing a fasting spell during a bilateral meeting with the then-President Barack Obama of America, he passed up a traditional dinner served on his behest. Humoring the gathering, he jokingly remembered saying, “When I met him again, he had invited me to lunch and told me to have twice as much to compensate for the previous occasion.”
Fridman Recites Gayatri Mantra for PM Modi
During the final stages of his conversation, Fridman told that he was learning to recite the Gayatri Mantra and recited it in front of the prime minister. The prime minister then described the meaning and religious importance of the mantra, highlighting its use in meditation and clear thinking.
