American scientist Lex Fridman hosted a podcast with PM Narendra Modi on wide-ranging issues from his childhood to his days as the Gujarat chief minister. Fridman fasted for 45 hours and had just water before the podcast "in honour of this conversation".
"I am fasting right now. It has been almost two days, 45 hours. So, just water, no food, in honour of this conversation, just to get in the right mindset, get into the spiritual level," he told PM Modi.
PM Modi, who was "pleasantly surprised", expressed his deepest gratitude to Fridman. "All the more because it feels like you're fasting as a tribute of respect for me. So, I express my deepest gratitude to you for doing this," he said.
PM Modi also emphasised the benefits of fasting, which he said 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," he said.
He added, "When you fast, every single one of your senses, especially smell, touch, and taste, becomes highly sensitive. Another thing I've experienced is that fasting can greatly accelerate the thinking process and can, uh, give a fresh perspective. You start thinking outside the box."
PM Modi's Meeting With Obama
PM Modi recalled meeting former US President Barack Obama while fasting.
"After I became Prime Minister, I 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?"
PM Modi said when they sat down, he was served a glass of hot water. "I turned to President Obama and jokingly said, 'Look, my dinner has arrived!' as I placed the glass in front of me," he added.