In his debut podcast with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed several critical issues, including the role of money in politics and the need for youth involvement in governance.
When Kamath inquired if money was a necessary component for entering politics, especially for the youth, Modi shared an insightful story from his childhood. He recalled a local doctor in his village, an eye specialist and skilled orator, who contested elections as an independent candidate. Despite having limited funds, the doctor raised just Rs.1 in donations from the community and spent only Rs.250 on his campaign. He eventually won, albeit narrowly. Modi emphasized that success in politics is not solely reliant on financial resources but on dedication, patience, and a genuine connection with the people.
The Prime Minister also urged the nation to view politics as a broader concept, beyond just electing representatives. He stressed that individuals contributing to societal causes, such as running educational programs or small ashrams, have a significant political impact, even if they don’t hold official political office.
Modi further highlighted that in a democracy, voters also play a vital political role, as their decisions shape the future of the country. He called for a shift in mindset to recognize the influence every citizen can have in the political arena, encouraging people to be actively engaged in societal development, regardless of political affiliation.