Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his podcast debut with Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath, highlighted.
The importance of mission-driven leadership in politics, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s example. PM Modi noted that Gandhi, despite not being a great orator, had the ability to connect deeply with people, uniting the nation through his personality and actions.
“Gandhi never wore a cap himself, but the world remembers the ‘Gandhi topi’. That’s the power of true communication and leadership,” PM Modi said, emphasising the role of authenticity and connection in effective political leadership.
Answering Kamath’s question about the talents one needs to step into politics, PM Modi said, “Entering politics is easy, but achieving success is an entirely different challenge”.
“Success in politics demands extreme dedication, a constant connection with the people in their good and bad times, and the ability to work as a team player. If someone believes that everyone will listen to them or follow their way of functioning, they are mistaken. While they might win a few elections, there’s no guarantee they will emerge as a successful leader,” said in his podcast debut.
He then drew a comparison between the challenges during India’s struggle for independence and the political landscape of post-Independence India.
“During India’s struggle for independence, people from diverse backgrounds participated, contributing in various ways. Some educated the masses, others engaged in making Khadi, and many worked on tribal upliftment, among other roles. Yet, all of them were united by a common spirit of patriotism,” PM Modi pointed out.
“After Independence, some of these individuals entered politics, bringing with them unmatched maturity, dedication, and a deep sense of purpose,” he said. The Prime Minister stressed that it is “crucial for good people to join politics with a mission, not for personal ambitions”.
According to the Prime Minister, “professional politicians” with polished speeches might remain relevant for a short time, but they will not last long. When asked about young people joining politics, he said, “India requires one lakh dedicated young politicians, driven by a selfless desire to serve the nation”.
“Politics should not be about lena, pana, banana (taking, gaining, and making). Such an approach will not sustain in the long run,” he further said.
When asked to compare entrepreneurship with politics, PM Modi explained that while entrepreneurs work for the growth and success of their company, politics is fundamentally about putting the nation first.