What Skills Does A Politician Need To Succeed? PM Modi Shares His 'Mission Over Ambition' Mantra
PM Modi made his podcast debut at Nikhil Kamath's show, where he outlined the qualities needed for a person to become a successful politician.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his podcast debut with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath in his popular show 'People By WTF' on January 10. During the podcast, PM Modi shared his mantra for a successful career in politics and outlined the qualities a person must have to become a politician. He also stressed that those coming into politics should not pay heed to their personal ambitions and instead focus on a mission.
While responding to a question about the skills and talents an individual needs to become a politician, PM Modi said that the person should be a team player, possess strong communication skills, and stay dedicated and connected with the people.
"Becoming a politician is one thing and to become successful in politics is a different thing... I believe for that, you need dedication, commitment, you should be there for the people, and you should be a good team player. If you consider yourself above all, thinking that everyone will follow you, maybe his politics works and he wins the elections, but there is no guarantee that he will be a successful politician," PM Modi said.
VIDEO | "Becoming a politician is one thing and to become successful in politics is a different thing... I believe for that, you need dedication, commitment, you should be there for the people, and you should be a good team player. If you consider yourself above all, thinking… pic.twitter.com/AIcIml9njs
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 10, 2025
'Professional Politicians Might Stay Relevant For Sometime But Won't Last Long'
The PM then went on to draw a comparison between the challenges faced by those involved in the struggle for India's independence and the significant shift in the political landscape post-Independence.
"During India’s struggle for independence, people from diverse backgrounds participated, contributing in various ways. But all of them did not come into politics. Some educated the masses, others engaged in making Khadi, and many worked on tribal upliftment, among other roles. Yet, all of them were united by a common spirit of patriotism and driven by making India independent," he pointed out.
"After Independence, some of these individuals entered politics. If you see, all our stalwart leaders in the beginning, they emerged from the independence movement. Their thought process, their maturity is different... Their words, their behaviour... everything reflects utmost dedication towards the society. So, I believe that good people should keep on coming into the politics and that too with a mission," he added.
PM Modi then stressed that it is "crucial for good people to join politics with a mission, not for personal ambitions".
He further cited Mahatma Gandhi's example to compare the politicians in India now with him. He also spoke about how Gandhi connected with the people despite not having the qualities of an ideal politican of today. PM Modi stressed that the way a politician communicates is more important than the oratory skills.
"Take Mahatma Gandhi, for example. He may not have been a great orator, but his personality and connection with the people brought the nation together. Gandhi never wore a cap himself, but the world remembers the 'Gandhi topi'. That’s the power of true communication and leadership," he said.
PM Modi said that the polished speeches of today's "professional politicians" might remain relevant for some time, but they will not last long like.
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