New Delhi: “My strength lies not in my name, but in the backing of 1.4 billion Indians and thousands of years of timeless culture and heritage,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a conversation with US-based podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman, which was released on Sunday evening.
“Wherever I go, I carry with me the essence of thousands of years of Vedic tradition, the timeless teachings of Swami Vivekananda, and the blessings, dreams and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians,” he pointed out, adding, “when I shake hands with a world leader, it is not Modi shaking hand, it is the hand of 1.4 billion Indians. So, it’s not the strength of Modi, it is the strength of entire India.”
‘India will now see eye-to-eye with her counterparts’
“India will neither allow itself to be looked down upon, nor will it ever look up to anyone. India will now see eye-to-eye with her counterparts. This was my belief in 2013, and it still lies at the heart of my foreign policy. For me, the country always comes first. However, to belittle someone, or speaking ill of others, is neither part of my cultural values, nor my traditions. Moreover, our culture upholds and advocates for the welfare of mankind. India has always championed the ideas of global peace and brotherhood. For centuries, we have envisioned the world as one big family,” PM Modi pointed out.
‘Have patience. There are no shortcuts in life’
PM Modi said, “I want to tell all young people the following: No matter how dark the night may seem, it is still just night, and morning is bound to come. That’s why we need patience and self-confidence. Yes, the challenges are real, but I am not defined by my circumstances. I am here for a purpose, sent by a higher power. And I am not alone; the one who sent me is always with me. This unwavering faith should always remain within us.”
He added, “Difficulties are a test of endurance; they are not meant to defeat me. Hardships exist to make me stronger, helping me grow and improve, not to leave me hopeless or discouraged. Personally, I see every crisis, every challenge, as an opportunity. So, to all young people, I say, “Have patience. There are no shortcuts in life.”
“At our railway stations, there hangs a sign for those who habitually cross the tracks instead of using the bridge. It reads, “Shortcut will cut you short.” I would tell young people the same, “Shortcut will cut you short.” “There are no shortcuts in life. Patience and perseverance are essential. Whatever responsibility we are given, we must pour our heart into it. We should live it with passion, enjoy the journey, and find fulfillment in it,” PM Modi underlined during the conversation.
Earlier on Sunday morning, PM Modi took to X and wrote, “It was indeed a fascinating conversation with
@lexfridman, covering diverse topics including reminiscing about my childhood, the years in the Himalayas and the journey in public life.”
Lex Fridman also wrote on X, “I had an epic 3-hour podcast conversation with @narendramodi, Prime Minister of India. It was one of the most powerful conversations of my life.”
