There is a vast difference between becoming a politician and having a successful political career, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Zerodha Co-founder Nikhil Kamath in an interaction.
To become a successful politician, one needs to be dedicated, committed, be there for people and also become a good team player, Modi said in his podcast debut, as he appeared as a guest on Kamath's 'People By WTF' series.
“If you become egotistical and try to run everything on your own and expect everyone to obey you, then it is possible that they may get into politics and win the elections, but there is no guarantee on whether they will become a successful politician,” he said.
Throwing light on the independence movement, the Prime Minister emphasised that people from all walks of life had joined, though not all entered politics. Some devoted their lives in the field of education, some promoted khadi, some entered the field of adult education, and some worked for the welfare of the tribal communities.
The independence movement was motivated and driven by patriotism, Modi said. “Everyone was passionate about it. They were ready to do whatever it takes to free India.”
"After India gained independence, some individuals entered politics, and initially, the country saw the emergence of many stalwart leaders," he said.
Good people should continue to enter politics, but "they should come with a mission and not an ambition," the prime minister said.
He emphasised that if one enters politics with a mission, they will find their place in the right position, and their mission should always come before their personal ambition.
Citing Mahatma Gandhi as an example, Modi said that if we define a leader based on modern standards, Gandhi will not fit in the picture. He was physically frail, not a strong orator, and lacked many qualities associated with leadership.
However, his life and actions spoke volumes, and that inner strength turned him into the leader who united the country. Modi also pointed out that communication is more important than mere oratory skills.
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