In a candid conversation on the “People by WTF” podcast hosted by Zerodha Co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delved into various facets of his personal and political life, offering listeners a rare glimpse into his experiences and philosophies.

The two hour long podcast delved into Modi’s experiences as Gujarat Chief Minister, India’s technological advancements, social media, politics and its parallels with entrepreneurship.

“This is my first podcast. I don’t know how it’ll go with your audience. This world is completely new to me,” PM Modi said at the start of the conversation with Kamath, a young billionaire.

PM Modi’s debut on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast provided an intimate look into the experiences that have shaped his journey from a modest upbringing to the highest echelons of political leadership. 

The podcast reflected on international relations, domestic challenges, and shared several personal anecdotes, offering a comprehensive understanding of the man steering the world’s largest democracy.

Special Connection with President Xi Jinping

Reflecting on his diplomatic engagements, PM Modi recounted an early interaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2014.

Sharing an intriguing anecdote about his early days as Prime Minister, Modi revealed his special connection with Chinese President Xi Jingping. 

Modi said that Chinese President Xi Jinping told him that the two leaders shared a personal connection. PM Modi said on the podcast that he lived in Gujarat’s Vadnagar, which had been visited by Chinese philosopher Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang).

“I read somewhere that Chinese philosopher Hiuen Tsang had lived in Vadnagar for some time and a film was being made on his travels. This prompted me to write to the Chinese embassy and request them to feature our village as well in the film,” Modi said.

“Later, when I became the Prime Minister in 2014, I started getting calls from various world leaders. Among them was Chinese President Xi Jinping,” he said.

PM Modi revealed that during his conversation with Xi Jinping, the Chinese President sought to visit Gujarat. “I said that’s great. But then Xi said he wanted to visit Gujarat’s Vadnagar. I was intrigued as he made such a detailed plan. He then told me ‘You and I share a special relation’,” PM Modi said in the podcast.

PM Modi further said when he questioned Xi about his plan, Xi told him: “Hiuen Tsang lived in your village for the longest time during his travels in India. And when he returned to China, he lived in my village. This is our connect,” PM Modi quoted Jinping as saying.  

Insights into Politics and Governance

Modi said he believed that good people should keep on coming into the politics and that too with a mission, not an ambition.

“Becoming a politician is one thing and to become successful in politics is a different thing… I believe for that, you need dedication, commitment, you should be there for the people, and you should be a good team player. If you consider yourself above all, thinking that everyone will follow you, maybe his politics works and he wins the elections, but there is no guarantee that he will be a successful politician…” Modi said.

“If you see, all our stalwart leaders in the beginning, they emerged from the independence movement. Their thought process, their maturity is different… Their words, their behaviour… everything reflects utmost dedication towards the society. So, I believe that good people should keep on coming into the politics and that too with a mission, not ambition…”.

Childhood Memories and Friendships

Delving into his early life, PM Modi portrayed himself as an ordinary student who was more inclined towards extracurricular activities than academics. He fondly remembered a teacher, Bheljibhai Chaudhary, who recognised his potential and encouraged him to focus. When discussing his childhood friends, he revealed that after becoming Chief Minister, he attempted to reconnect with them. However, he found that their perception of him had changed; they now saw him as a political figure rather than the friend they once knew, a realisation that left him yearning for the simplicity of past relationships. 

Philosophical Reflections

Throughout the podcast, PM Modi maintained a humble demeanor, acknowledging his human fallibility. He remarked, “Mistakes happen. I am human, not a God.” This acknowledgment underscores his belief in continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally. 

“When I became the CM, in one of me speeches, I had said that I will leave no stone unturned in my efforts. Secondly, I will not do anything for myself. Third, I am a human, I may make mistakes, but I will not make mistakes with bad intentions. I made them my life’s mantras. It is natural to make mistakes, after all I am a human, I am not God, but will not do wrong intentionally…” PM Modi said.