Narendra Modi’s Diet Secrets: Fasting, Discipline, Healthy Lifestyle
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discipline inspires many. During Navratri, he follows a rigorous fasting routine, giving up food completely and relying only on hot water for nine days. His unwavering self-control reflects deep faith, mental strength, and commitment to tradition.
PM Narendra Modi on Fasting: Discipline, Clarity, and Human Experience
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turned 75 on September 17, continues to inspire people across the world not only through his leadership but also through his personal discipline and lifestyle choices. One of the most striking aspects of his routine is his approach to fasting, which he recently spoke about in an interview with American podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman earlier this year.
For many, fasting is a religious ritual or a temporary health trend. For PM Modi, however, it has become a way of life—an exercise in discipline, self-awareness, and spiritual clarity. During Navratri, he observes a rigorous fasting regimen, often abstaining from food entirely and consuming nothing but hot water for nine days. At an age when most people slow down, his commitment to such practices reflects not just physical endurance but also deep mental strength.
In his conversation with Fridman, Modi explained fasting as more than just denial of food—it is a journey inward. He described how, during prolonged fasting, the body’s sensory perceptions heighten dramatically. “All your senses, especially the sense of smell, touch, and taste, become so aware that you can even smell the water,” he shared. Something as ordinary as a glass of water, he said, can feel alive with fragrance, while the aroma of tea or coffee becomes unmistakably vivid.
Beyond the physical senses, Modi emphasized the mental and creative benefits. According to him, fasting sharpens the mind, bringing clarity of thought and fostering innovative, “out-of-the-box” ideas. He reflected that this state of heightened awareness allows him to notice the world with fresh eyes—whether it’s the fragrance of a flower or the energy in his surroundings. “Your thoughts give a lot of sharpness and novelty,” he noted, suggesting that fasting opens up a unique perspective often clouded by the routine of everyday life.
What stands out in Modi’s description is the deeply human side of fasting. It is not simply about religious observance or personal discipline; it is about reconnecting with one’s own body and mind. In a world driven by constant consumption—of food, media, and distractions—his reflections remind us that abstinence can be powerful. By intentionally withdrawing, one discovers subtler joys and sharper insights.
Even his critics acknowledge the Prime Minister’s remarkable stamina and focus, traits he partly credits to these practices. For many Indians, especially the younger generation exploring wellness and mindfulness, his words serve as a reminder that fasting is not punishment but transformation.
In the same conversation, he acknowledged that his experience might differ from others. Yet, by sharing his journey, he invited listeners to consider fasting not just as a ritual but as a tool for mental clarity, spiritual depth, and physical renewal.
At 75, PM Modi’s life is a blend of politics, spirituality, and discipline. His fasting routine is not just about tradition—it is about discovering strength within, seeing the world more clearly, and living with a heightened sense of awareness that resonates far beyond himself.