PM Narendra Modi's Podcast: Prime Minister 'Paints a Clearer Picture’ on Gujarat Riots

PM Modi podcast live: Reflecting on the profound impact the Himalayas had on him, PM Modi said, "It was a new experience, a world shaped by the mountains, by ice, by the towering snow-covered peaks,"

"But all of this played a huge role in shaping me. It strengthened me from within and enabled me to discover my inner power," he added, highlighting how this period of solitude and reflection in the majestic mountains contributed to his personal growth and resilience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on his deep connection with the organization, calling it his Saubhagya (privilege) to be part of this enduring legacy. PM said that he feels blessed to have received his life's purpose and the values of selfless service from RSS. He lauded the role RSS is playing at such a large scale globally. The Prime Minister highlighted how the RSS is providing education and healthcare services on a large scale across the country. He pointed out the contrast between leftist labor unions and the RSS-affiliated labor union. "Leftist unions say ‘Workers of the world, unite,’ but the RSS labor union says ‘Workers, unite the world.’ This reflects how the RSS instills its values in its approach."

PM Modi Podcast live: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on his deep connection with the organization, calling it his Saubhagya (privilege) to be part of this enduring legacy. PM said that he feels blessed to have received his life's purpose and the values of selfless service from RSS. He lauded the role RSS is playing at such a large scale globally. The Prime Minister highlighted how the RSS is providing education and healthcare services on a large scale across the country. He pointed out the contrast between leftist labor unions and the RSS-affiliated labor union. "Leftist unions say ‘Workers of the world, unite,’ but the RSS labor union says ‘Workers, unite the world.’ This reflects how the RSS instills its values in its approach."

PM Modi Podcast Live: The PM emphasized that his government does not engage in vote-bank politics but follows the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas." He also highlighted the fact that how people tried to malign his image after the riots but ultimately the justice prevailed and courts cleared his name.

PM Modi Podcast Live: Prime Minister Narendra Modi “Painted a clearer picture” on Gujarat riots. “Regarding the earlier events that you mentioned, like the 2002 riots in Gujarat, I’d like to paint you a clearer picture of the 12 to 15 months leading up to that, so you can fully understand the atmosphere of that time. For instance, take December 24, 1999, roughly three years earlier, an Indian flight from Kathmandu to Delhi was hijacked, redirected to Afghanistan and landed in Kandahar. Hundreds of Indian passengers were held hostage. It caused massive turmoil across India as people faced life and death uncertainty,” he said. “Then, in the year 2000, the Red Fort in Delhi was attacked by terrorists. Yet another crisis struck the nation, intensifying fear and turmoil. On September 11th, 2001, the Twin Towers in America faced a devastating terror attack, once again shocking the entire world. Because ultimately, the people behind these attacks are driven by a similar mindset. Then in October 2001, terrorists attacked the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Soon after, on December 13th, 2001, India’s parliament was targeted,” the Prime Minister added. “Within just eight to 10 months, these major global terrorist attacks took place, violent incidents that led to bloodshed and the loss of innocent lives. In such a tense environment, even the smallest spark can ignite unrest. The situation had already become extremely volatile. In such times, suddenly, on October 7th, 2001, I was given the responsibility of becoming chief minister of Gujarat. This was an enormous challenge. At that time, Gujarat was recovering from a devastating earthquake, the largest of the previous century, which had left thousands dead. My first major task as chief minister was overseeing the rehabilitation of survivors. This was a crucial task, and from day one after my oath, I immersed myself in it. I was a person who had absolutely no prior experience with government. I had never been part of any administration, never even served in government before. I had never contested an election, never even been a state representative. For the first time in my life, I had to face elections. On February 24, 2002, I became a state representative, an elected representative for the first time. And it was only around February 24th, 25th, or 26th that I stepped into the Gujarat Assembly for the very first time. On February 27th, 2002, we were seated in the Assembly for the budget session. And that same day, it had been just three days since I’d become a state representative, when suddenly the horrific Godhra incident occurred. It was a tragedy of unimaginable magnitude, people were burned alive. You can imagine, against the backdrop of incidents like the Kandahar hijacking, the attack on parliament, or even 9/11, and then to have so many people killed and burned alive, you can imagine how tense and volatile the situation was. Of course, this was tragic for everyone. Everyone prefers peace. The perception that these were the biggest riots ever is actually misinformation. If you review the data from before 2002, you will see that Gujarat faced frequent riots. Curfews were constantly being imposed somewhere. Communal violence could erupt over trivial issues, like kite flying contests or even minor bicycle collisions. Before 2002, Gujarat witnessed over 250 significant riots. The riots in 1969 lasted nearly six months. So there was a long history, long before I was in the picture. But that one tragic incident in 2002 became a sparking point, leading some people towards violence. Yet, the judiciary thoroughly investigated the matter. At that time, our political opponents were in power, and naturally they wanted all allegations against us to stick. Despite their relentless efforts, the judiciary analyzed the situation meticulously twice and ultimately found us completely innocent. Those who were truly responsible have faced justice from the courts,” he said. 

PM Modi Podcast live: “I went to him to thank him (Trump), and casually said that if you don't mind why don't we take a lap around the stadium. There are so many people here, let's walk, wave, and greet them. In American life, it is almost impossible for a president to walk around in the presence of thousands of people but Trump agreed without hesitation and began walking,” said PM Modi. 

PM Modi Podcast live: “Whenever we speak of peace, the world listens to us because India is a land of Gautam Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi,” says PM Modi

PM Modi Podcast live: “I invited Pakistan for my swearing-in to turn over a new leaf, but each attempt at peace was met with hostility and betrayal”, says PM Modi. 

PM Modi Podcast Live: “Ukraine and Russia have to get to the negotiating table to bring an end to the war,” says PM Modi. 

PM Modi Podcast live: “Fast is a scientific process. I perform Yoga and traditional practices before fasting. I ready my body for the fast. Fast is a devotion for me,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi Podcast live: PM Narendra Modi thanked Lex Fridman for keeping “fast” on the day of the podcast.