Glow on Modi’s Face: At 74, Modi functions like a young man of 27 years!, says Dr Chandra

Reflecting on the revealing and heartfelt podcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi where he shared personal reflections, leadership philosophies, and his vision for India’s future in a conversation that feels both intimate and inspiring, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra, in the latest JC Show, takes a deep dive into Modi’s transformation over the years—from a leader focused on governance to a man with a clear roadmap for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. Dr Chandra reveals that in candid moments, Modi speaks about his humble beginnings, his relationship with his late mother, and the emotional weight of leadership. Dr Chandra also says that as he reflects on his journey, Modi acknowledges his evolution, particularly his flexibility and openness to new ideas, symbolising his adaptability in the modern political landscape. The podcast not only offers a look into his personal side, but also hints at the bold risks and decisions he might take, leaving the nation intrigued about his next steps. Excerpts...

• Today’s headline of the show is “Modi Dil Se...” What do you want to say about this?
  Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: This interview is a breath of fresh air that allows us to take a close look into Narendra Modi’s heart. It indicates a shift from traditional media to modern communication channels, focusing on transparency, engagement, and political outreach. You can say it also shares Modi’s reflections on his childhood, education, political journey, leadership, and risktaking capacity. It highlights his love and respect for his late mother, among other aspects of his life. It shows his ideology and aspirations for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) in 2047. One could also say it reveals another side of Modi—a kind of untold story of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the end of the day, we can conclude that Modi speaks like a mature, visionary leader with a clear roadmap for taking the country forward toward a developed Bharat and his dream of a New India.

• Narendra Modi gave his first podcast interview not to renowned journalists, but to the promising young Nikhil Kamath from the private sector. How do you view this development?
  It’s a new experiment by Narendra Modi that essentially breaks the monopoly of top TV anchors, who have been dominating the TV screens for decades. You could say this is an indirect walkout or sidelining of anchors, who will now face tough times in maintaining their jobs and ensuring growth in the television industry. This step opens new avenues for others to enter the anchoring business. Another perspective is that this interview helps narrow the gap between politics and entrepreneurship. It signals the start of a new era that might ultimately hurt the prospects of traditional TV anchors.

• Narendra Modi’s fans often wonder how he maintains such a glow on his face, even at this age. What do you think about this?
  Yes, there is indeed a glow on his face. People are often surprised because the common belief is that he only sleeps for 3-4 hours. Scientists who research sleep say that Modi’s output is quite astonishing. Normally, to achieve such output, one needs to get 7-9 hours of sleep. Yet, Modi only sleeps for 3-4 hours, and his output remains the same. It is true that Modi is a miraculous personality. He is young at heart. At the age of 74, he thinks and works like someone who is 27 years old.

• Do you think PM Narendra Modi has really changed?
  Yes, it is true that Modi has really changed. In fact, he is redefining himself. The biggest change is that Modi has become flexible. He has become the new face of flexibility. In the interview, he said, “I am ready to forget old things and accept new ones.” This is a big transformation in his life. He is trying to become the Prime Minister of the 21st century, someone who can compete with any American, Russian, or other world leaders, and he has already competed. His entire governance and delivery have become technologically modern. His focus now is on the quality of governance. Despite being in a developing nation, his working style is like that of a developed nation. From this, we can say that Modi is indeed changing.

• What differences do you see in Modi’s thinking and working style during his three terms as Prime Minister?
  Of course, he himself said, “In my first term, I was trying to understand Delhi, which I call the national capital of all political conspiracies. People were also trying to understand me.” In his second term, he was thinking from the perspective of the past. In the third term, he said, “I have changed. My morale is high, and my dreams have grown.” He also said, “I want all solutions for this country by 2047. I want 100% delivery of all government schemes that will lead to social justice and secularism in the real sense.” Modi’s third term is very important. The changes that have taken place across all three terms are clear.

• Some people say that Modi believes in teamwork, while others think his system is based on the extra centralization of power. How do you explain this contradiction?
  The functioning of the PMO shows that there is extra centralisation of power, especially around Narendra Modi. However, Modi’s thinking is focused on developing a team. Even during his time in Gujarat, he used to say that the team should be prepared in such a way that it works for the next 20 years. He has written that his success or failure depends on whether he can build the right team or not. While his office work is centralised, he is striving to be a true team leader. So, it can be said that Narendra Modi is a team leader.

• I heard that after the tremendous success of this podcast, Modi now wants to show complete transparency and have someone like Rahul Gandhi or another major opposition leader, interview him so he would be ready to answer all their questions. Is this really possible?
  In Narendra Modi’s life, anything is possible. Now, Modi has started a new initiative with his podcast. PM Modi is liberal and democratic. He is changing and has become flexible. So, it is possible that someone like Kejriwal or Mamata could interview Modi. PM Modi can work miracles. I have been informed that such a thought is forming in his mind.

• There has been talk in Delhi’s political circles recently that during this election, Kejriwal wanted to launch a major imagebuilding campaign. Don’t you think Modi’s interview has taken that initiative away from him?
  After this interview, a new side of PM Modi has emerged. A more mature leader, now seen as a thinker, economist, and visionary. Look at his attire, he looks incredibly impactful. Overall, this will also affect the Delhi elections.

• Narendra Modi mentioned that after becoming the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he immediately took four actions. What were those four actions?
  The human and philosophical aspect is very strong. Firstly, he called his classmates. After becoming the Chief Minister, he met his friends and invited about 30-35 people. After that, he invited his family members. During this tenure, he also invited his teachers, including a senior mentor, Ras Bihari Ji. He expressed his gratitude to all of them. Then, he invited people from RSS, with whom he used to have meals. By inviting all these people, he showed a sense of gratitude. Keeping this human aspect in mind, people must have appreciated this. It was a humane gesture.

• In this interview, Narendra Modi mentioned that there isn’t a single person in his life now who can address him as “Tu.” Is the Prime Minister really feeling lonely?
  Yes, it is true that Modi is feeling lonely at the moment. His mother was alive earlier, but after her passing, he said that he no longer feels the need to call anyone regarding any matter. About 30-35 years ago, when he went for flag hoisting to Lal Chowk in Srinagar, his mother would call him and ask how he was. That time was different, now there is no one who calls him regularly.
  Though Amit Shah is very close to him, their relationship is more political or intellectual. His school friends, whom he could call ‘Tu’, have all changed their categories. He did call his friends and classmates to meet, but people couldn’t understand his friendship or his situation changed. So, he said he was looking for those friends, but they only saw him as Chief Minister. This shows the depth of Narendra Modi’s personality. When a person rises, friends and relationships tend to drift apart. He mentioned that there was one person who used to write to him calling him “Tu,” but that mentor is no longer in this world. Now, there is no one who calls him ‘Tu’. This is a deep emotional pain.

• Why does Modi never want to stay in his comfort zone? Why does Modi always want to remain entangled in governance, development, and political matters 24/7?
  This is because Narendra Modi is inherently a person with a fighting and struggling nature. His entire life has been spent in crisis and lack. The concept of a comfort zone doesn’t exist for him. He himself says that a person fails when they enter their comfort zone. For him, comfort zone and Narendra Modi are contradictions. He says even a businessman has to get out of their comfort zone to grow their business. So, for him, comfort zone doesn’t matter. He is completely against the idea of comfort zones.

• In the interview, Modi also mentioned that his risk-taking ability has not yet been fully utilised. What does Modi mean by this?
  This is a surprising and intriguing statement. Now the question arises, what big step is Narendra Modi planning that would require him to take such a significant risk? One possibility could be that he is referring to taking Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which would be a major risk. What is on his mind, only time will tell. But after his statement, the people of the country are curious to know what Modi plans to do. Will he fully utilize his risk-taking ability? This has become a point of curiosity for India. We now have to see what steps Modi will take after making such a statement.

• Modi said in the interview, “I am not neutral, I am for peace.” Do you think Modi can mediate a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine in 2025?
  Narendra Modi has redefined foreign policy. Earlier, India would say we are neutral. Now, Modi says, “No, I am with the nation.” India First, which we say, and at the same time, we are for peace. He says the solution to the problem lies not in war but at the negotiation table. Now the question is whether he will succeed or not. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Palestine disputes are ongoing. Modi had made progress, as had Putin. But now, the whimsical factor has entered with Trump.
  Trump’s frequent statements, especially on Canada and Mexico, raise questions about Modi’s response. While Modi is thoughtful, Trump’s influence may delay peace or ceasefire processes globally.

During the show #JConModiDilse trended top All-India on X