Transformative Spiritual Insights by PM Modi on Lex Fridman Podcast

In his recent conversation with US podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared deep spiritual thoughts that show how his spirituality, leadership, and personal beliefs come together in a unique way.

In a meaningful conversation with US podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his deep thoughts on spirituality, selflessness, and leadership. The discussion, aired on March 16, 2025, gave a glimpse into the spiritual beliefs that guide his life and leadership. Modi talked about how great Indian thinkers like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi have influenced him, the spiritual practices that shape his daily routine, and his connection with the divine.

A Deep Connection with the Divine

When asked if he ever feels lonely, PM Modi shared a deep thought about his spiritual connection. “Feelings of isolation do not seem to crop up in my life. I’m a firm believer of the ‘One plus one theory.’ One is Modi, the other is some divine power, ” he shared. His belief in God, he articulated, makes him feel appreciated because he is never alone in this world. For Modi, helping others is a part of his spirituality. He commented, “Jan Seva hi Prabhu Seva hai.” (Serving others is serving the God).

The Gayatri Mantra and Its Deeper Meaning

These practices are aimed at serving God, and the prime focus was on the importance of the Gayatri Mantra. An admirer of Indian spirituality, Fridman recited the mantra as he asked Modi to tell him how to pronounce it. To the surprise of the Prime Minister, he didn’t just tell him the words, but also recited the mantra while explaining how deep its spiritual and scientific meanings are. Modi did elaborate that every mantra has a deep-rooted connection with the universe which is both scientifically oriented and spiritually charged. He talked about how the mantra’s roots are in "Surya Upasana" (worship of the sun) and how it reflects the cosmic order.

Influence of Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi

PM Modi credited Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi as significant influences in his life. He went on to detail, for instance, how in his village’s library he came across a book written by Vivekananda, which had a great impact on his life and mindset. His major takeaway is that a person is truly satisfied when he engages himself in selfless service. Modi also narrated an interesting episode concerning how Vivekananda went to see Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and asked him for help. This story helped him realize that serving humanity is the highest form of devotion.

The Prime Minister talked about his time spent at the Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Ashram with Swami Atmasthananda, who encouraged him to dedicate his life to serving society. Modi's life, he explained, is shaped by these teachings as he works to make change through the participation of many people.

PM Modi noted the importance of Mahatma Gandhi in the India’s freedom movement. In particular, he pointed out the way Gandhi harnessed the instrument of the people and transformed the freedom fight into a mass movement “Jan Andolan”-involving millions to act together. Modi's philosophy is to bring in as many people as possible to his initiatives and so these people become Changemakers or "Jan Bhagidari" movements.

To sum up, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's discussion with Lex Fridman analyzed in depth the key spiritual pillars driving his life and leadership. The discussion brought out the powerful ways in which Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings impacted Modi’s life, with special focus on servanthood, divine connection, and community. By combining spirituality with service through the Gayatri Mantra, he illustrates personal development and social transformation.