Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged young people to avoid taking shortcuts in life. In a podcast with American researcher Lex Fridman, PM Modi emphasized that while challenges are inevitable, they do not define who we are. He encouraged viewing every crisis and difficulty as an opportunity for personal growth.
When asked about young people who are facing challenges and feeling uncertain, PM Modi said that patience and self-confidence are crucial for achieving success.
“I want to tell all the young people, no matter how dark the night may seem, it is still just night, and morning is bound to come. That’s why we need patience and self-confidence. The challenges are real, but I am not defined by my circumstances. I am here for a purpose, sent by a higher power, and I am not alone. The one who sent me is always with me. This unwavering faith should always remain within us,” PM Modi said.
“Difficulties are a test of endurance. They are not meant to defeat me. Hardships exist to make me stronger, help me grow and improve, and not leave me feeling hopeless or discouraged. Personally, I see every crisis and challenge as an opportunity,” he added.
The prime minister also encouraged youth to be patient, saying, “There are no shortcuts in life. At our railway stations, there’s a sign for those who habitually cross the tracks instead of using the bridge, which reads, ‘Shortcut will cut you short.’ I would tell young people the same: a shortcut will cut you short. Patience and perseverance are essential.”
“Whatever responsibility we are given, we must pour our hearts into it. We should live it with passion. Enjoy the journey and find fulfillment in it. I truly believe that if this mindset is cultivated, it transforms life.”
PM Modi further explained that abundance alone is not enough and there is no guarantee of success. “Even a wealthy person who indulges in comfort and idleness will eventually wither away,” he said.
“I must contribute more to society with my own strength. Even if I am in a good position, there is still so much more to do. Even if I am not in a good position, there is still so much work to do. I have also noticed that some people tend to think, ‘I’ve learned enough. That’s it.’ But one should never let the student within them die. Learning should never stop.”
Sharing his personal experiences, the PM said, “I believe that as long as I am alive, I must have a purpose. Perhaps I exist to keep learning, to keep growing. Now, my mother tongue is Gujarati, and we were not very familiar with the Hindi language, nor did we know how to speak it eloquently or communicate effectively. But as a child, I used to sit at my father’s tea shop, and at that young age, I got the chance to meet so many people. And every time, I learned something from them; I observed their ways of speaking, their expressions. These things taught me a lot, even though I wasn’t in a position to apply them then. I thought, ‘If I ever get the chance, why not? Why shouldn’t I present myself well?’ So, I believe the desire to learn should always remain alive.”
