In a candid conversation with US computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of criticism in a democracy, calling it the "soul of democracy." He expressed that while he welcomes criticism, he finds that genuine, well-researched criticism is becoming rare in today’s times.

PM Modi on Embracing Criticism

When asked about how he deals with criticism, PM Modi stated that he welcomes it wholeheartedly.

"I strongly believe that criticism is the essence of democracy. If democracy truly runs in your veins, you must embrace it," he said. Quoting ancient scriptures, he added, "Always keep your critics close. Critics should be your nearest companions because through genuine criticism, you can improve quickly and work democratically with better insights."

However, he expressed concern that most of what is seen today is not genuine criticism but mere allegations. "Real criticism requires study, research, and careful analysis. Instead, many take shortcuts, skipping proper research and jumping straight to accusations," he remarked.

PM Modi underlined that genuine criticism is necessary for a strong democracy, whereas baseless allegations only create unnecessary conflict. "That’s why I always welcome constructive criticism. And whenever false accusations arise, I remain focused on serving my country with complete dedication."

PM Modi on His Childhood and Humble Beginnings

During the extensive interview, PM Modi also reflected on his early years, sharing anecdotes about his upbringing in Gujarat. He described the simplicity of his childhood, recalling how he whitened his canvas shoes with chalk and used a copper pot filled with hot water to press his clothes.

"We never felt poor," he said. "For someone used to wearing fine shoes, their absence would be noticeable. But for us, we had never worn shoes, so we didn’t even know what we were missing. That was just how we lived."

PM Modi on the Ukraine War and Pakistan

In the three-hour-long discussion, PM Modi also spoke about global issues, including the war in Ukraine and India’s stance on Pakistan.

On Ukraine, he called for diplomacy, emphasizing that both Ukraine and Russia should come to the negotiating table. "The world is facing crises related to food, fuel, and fertilizers. The global community should unite in the pursuit of peace. My stance is not neutrality—I stand for peace. Peace is what I strive for."

Regarding Pakistan, he criticized its long-standing hostility toward India. "Time and again, they have chosen conflict over cooperation. They have waged a proxy war against us. This is not ideology—what kind of ideology thrives on bloodshed and terror? And India is not the only victim; terrorism originating from Pakistan has impacted many parts of the world."

The interview provided a deep insight into PM Modi’s perspectives on leadership, democracy, and international relations, reinforcing his emphasis on constructive criticism, resilience, and the pursuit of peace.