BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, March 28, 2025: The Consulate General of India in Atlanta hosted a special event at the Global Mall on March 22, 2025, to highlight Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s in-depth conversation with renowned MIT scientist and AI researcher, Lex Fridman.
“We streamed select segments of the podcast covering various topics, including technology, President Trump, and broader discussions on philosophy and development in India, and PM Modi’s own personal journey. The conversation sparked significant interest and engagement, leading to insightful discussions on these subjects,” Hon. Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, Consul General of India, Atlanta, noted.
In the landmark episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast, Indian PM Modi engaged in a profound three-hour dialogue, delving into topics ranging from personal anecdotes to global diplomacy. Their conversation explored leadership, criticism, and democracy, with PM Modi asserting, “Whenever I shake hands with a world leader, it’s not Modi, but 1.4 billion Indians doing so.” Fridman, in turn, highlighted Modi’s warmth, focus, and empathy, portraying him as a leader who preserves national identity while celebrating global unity.
“It was one of the most moving & powerful conversations and experiences of my life,” Fridman shared on X, post his interview.
He had been fasting for two days in ‘honor of the conversation”.
“So, I should also say I’m fasting right now. It’s been almost two days, 45 hours, so just water, no food in honor of this conversation, just to get in the right mindset, get into the spiritual level. I have read that you often fast for many days,” Fridman said, inviting PM Modi to share his thoughts on fasting.
PM Modi expressed his appreciation for Fridman’s gesture and elaborated on the significance of fasting in Indian tradition. He emphasized that fasting is not merely about abstaining from food but is a scientific process that sharpens the mind, enhances discipline, and aligns the body with higher consciousness.
“In India, fasting is not just about skipping meals; it is a way to cultivate discipline and refine one’s thinking process. It has a direct bearing on our perspective and sharpens our intellect. Our scriptures discuss various ways to elevate the body, mind, and soul, and fasting is one of those deeply rooted traditions,” PM Modi explained.
He further noted that Indian religious traditions are interwoven with everyday life, shaped by philosophical and cultural principles rather than mere rituals. Quoting a past Supreme Court interpretation, Modi stated, “Hinduism is not about rituals or methods of worship, but rather it’s a way of living, a philosophy that guides life itself.”
Reflecting on his early life marked by poverty, Modi shared insights into his spiritual journey, including his time in the Himalayas and aspirations of becoming a monk. He discussed the influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on his ideology and elaborated on the principles of Hindu nationalism. The Prime Minister also addressed India’s role in global peace, particularly concerning the Ukraine conflict, and expressed hope for harmonious relations with neighboring Pakistan. On international relations, Modi provided perspectives on leaders like Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, offering a glimpse into his diplomatic approach. He candidly discussed the 2002 Gujarat riots, underscoring the challenges of leadership in the world’s largest democracy. Beyond politics, the dialogue ventured into topics such as artificial intelligence, education, and the significance of meditation in personal development. Modi’s reflections on renowned mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan highlighted India’s rich intellectual legacy.
The extensive interview not only shed light on Modi’s personal and political philosophies but also provided listeners worldwide with a deeper understanding of India’s vision in the 21st century.
“Don’t chase shortcuts, they’ll leave you shortchanged,” was PM Modi’s a gentle but firm warning to young ears. The Prime Minister, in a moment of heartfelt advice, urged them to embrace the long game, the slow burn of dedication. He spoke of shifting the question from “What can I get?” to “What can I give?”, a simple reframing that held the key to real fulfillment. His own story, from humble beginnings to global stage, was a living testament to the power of perseverance, a reminder that even the darkest nights give way to dawn.
He painted a picture of India, not as a map of administrative lines, but as a living, breathing tapestry of culture. Imagine, he suggested, a land where languages change every few miles, where every region boasts its own vibrant traditions. Yet, a common thread weaves through it all – the shared stories, the ancient rituals, the recurrence of names like Lord Ram – which “echoes in every corner of the country..In Gujarat, he might be called Rambhai. In Tamil Nadu, Ramachandra, and in Maharashtra, Rambhau.” It’s a connection, he noted, that runs deeper than any policy, a bond forged in shared heritage.
A nod to global diplomacy, he acknowledged a fellow leader’s strategic mind, commending “U.S. President Donald Trump for his preparedness and strategic vision,” stating that Trump “appears more prepared and has well-defined steps planned to achieve his goals” for his second term.
Back home, his focus turned to the young minds burdened by exams. He advocated for a shift from rote learning to practical application, highlighting the need for students to focus on skill development and self-belief. “I believe that whatever task you get, if you perform that task with complete dedication and sincerity, they inevitably become an expert sooner or later, and their enhanced capabilities open doors to success,” PM Modi stated. He also stressed the value of being fully present in each moment as a key learning strategy, urging students and parents to view education as a journey of growth rather than a mere pursuit of rankings.
PM Modi confidently asserted India’s indispensable role in the global AI landscape, stating, “No matter what the world does with AI, it will remain incomplete without India.” He highlighted India’s vast talent pool, emphasizing the nation’s rapid 5G rollout as evidence of its technological prowess. Modi attributed the success of Indian tech leaders to their cultural grounding in dedication, ethical conduct, and collaborative spirit.While acknowledging AI’s potential to reshape work, he underscored the enduring value of human imagination and creativity, ultimately questioning AI’s capacity to replicate the innate human ability to care and show concern.
Prime Minister Modi’s candid conversation with Lex Fridman revealed a leader deeply invested in the potential of India’s youth and its role in shaping the future of technology. He spoke not just as a leader, but as someone who had walked a long and winding road, someone who understood the power of hard work, the importance of connection, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. His vision for India is one of collaborative innovation, where the nation’s unique cultural strengths and vast talent pool drive global progress, while remaining grounded in human values.
The episode concluded with an invitation for Fridman to visit India, symbolizing Modi’s commitment to fostering global connections.
The full conversation is available on Lex Fridman’s official website.
“I found this podcast to be an amazing way to communicate a vision of a great leader,” Manoj Jain, MD MPH, a physician and writer, said.
