PM Modi recalled a wide-ranging conversation with American scientist Lex Fridman
PM Modi recalled a wide-ranging conversation with American scientist Lex Fridman in a podcast released on Sunday.
As per Fridman he fasted for 45 hours before the podcast in honour of this conversation. Adding that he is fasting right now and it has been almost two days, 45 hours with just water, no food, in honour of this conversation, just to get in the right mindset and into the spiritual level.
PM Modi emphasised that he was “pleasantly surprised” to know that Mr Fridman was fasting: “All the more because it feels like you’re fasting as a tribute of respect for him. So, he expressed his deepest gratitude to him for doing this.
PM Modi also elaborated on the benefits of fasting in sharpening the senses, enhancing mental clarity, and instilling discipline.
He said that “Fasting is a way to cultivate discipline… It is a powerful tool to bring both the inner and outer self into balance. It shapes life in profound ways. When you fast, every single one of your senses, especially smell, touch, and taste, becomes highly sensitive. Another thing he has experienced is that fasting can greatly accelerate the thinking process and can, uh, give a fresh perspective. You start thinking outside the box.
While on fast, PM Modi also shared an episode when he met former
US President Barack Obama. “After he became Prime Minister, he had a bilateral meeting at the White House with President Obama, and he had also arranged a formal dinner. Then, as discussions between the two governments progressed, someone said, “Please, join us for dinner.” To which another replied, “But the Prime Minister doesn’t eat.” This left them a bit concerned. How do you host the leader of such a major nation at the White House without serving food?”
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He recalled that he was then served a glass of hot water. “When we sat down, they brought for him. a glass of hot water. He turned to President Obama and jokingly said, ‘Look, his dinner has arrived!’ as he placed the glass in front of him.
When he met Obama the next time, PM Modi said, “he remembered that he was fasting the last time”. “He smiled and said, ‘Last time, you were fasting’. This time, we’re having lunch. Since you’re not fasting, you’ll have to eat twice as much”.
PM Modi also stressed that fasting “is actually a scientific process” while sharing how he prepares before fasting for an extended period. “Whenever he fasts for an extended period, he prepares his body ino advance. For 5 to 7 days before the fast, he follows various Ayurvedic practices and yoga practices, along with other traditional cleansing methods to internally reset his system”.
“Before actually beginning the fast, he makes sure to drink a lot of water, as much as possible. So, you could say that this detoxification process helps prepare his body in the best possible way. And once he begins fasting, for him it’s an act of devotion. Fasting is a form of self-discipline.
PM also recalled the first time he experienced fasting.
“Amidst his school days, there was a movement inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision, his vision of cow protection. The government had not enacted any laws at the time. At the time, people across the country observed a one-day fast by gathering in public places in silent protest. We were just kids, probably had just finished primary school. Something inside him said, he should be part of this.
“At such a young age, he felt neither hunger nor any desire for food. Instead, he felt a new awareness, a surge of energy within him. So, he was convinced that fasting is a science, far beyond just skipping meals. It is something far greater than that,” he added.
He also noted that fasting never slows him down, rather makes him more energetic. “I work just as much as usual, sometimes I even work more”.
News Edit KV Raman
