New Delhi: A relentless tenacity and a steely dedication are the hallmarks of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turns 75 today (September 17). His spirited
determination and firm resolution has often been appreciated by those who have worked with him closely. It is believed that the PM works tirelessly for around 18 hours a day, while sleeping minimally. Union Minister L Murugan once shared with ANI that the PM sleeps for just 3.5 hours in the night.
Let us try to piece together the routine that he follows from his interviews, diverse information and staff anecdotes and accounts.
Arise at 4 am
PM Modi is believed to be an early riser. He gets up at 4am. After a morning walk, he practises yoga and meditation every day. These sessions keep him physically agile and mentally fit. It is these disciplined sessions that help him stay focused during his busy schedule.
Sudesh Verma, author of ‘Narendra Modi: The Gamechanger’, reportedly revealed that the PM’s mornings as the Chief Minister in Gandhinagar would start with a walk — a habit he still maintains today before beginning his hectic schedule. He likes to walk at Lok Kalyan Marg (formerly Race Course Road). It is his dedication to yoga, Surya Namaskar, and meditation that helps him stay energised and focused.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs yoga. (Photo by Abhishek Chinnappa/Getty Images)
Tea and light breakfast
After his yoga and meditation sessions, PM Modi reportedly has ginger tea and a light breakfast of boiled or roasted foods. He prefers simple food like khichdi, kadhi, upma and khakra. These are prepared by his personal cook.
Reading newspapers
It is believed that PM Modi goes through multiple newspapers and reports to keep himself abreast about national and global issues. Even if he doesn’t find time to read them in the morning, he makes sure to catch up on the latest developments during the day.
An animal lover to the core, PM Modi spends a part of his mornings with animals like his pet dog, peacocks, ducks, cows and pigeons.
Meetings, consultations and public outreach
By 9am, he is in his South Block office. Consultations and meetings with ministers, bureaucrats, and other officials take up most part of the day. He discusses policy matters, plans and agenda with them, while ensuring that key projects are prioritised. Those close to him contend that PM Modi believes in chalking out policies with a hands-on approach. He is quick in making decisions on programmes and initiatives that need to be fast-tracked.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his cabinet colleagues at Parliament Library in New Delhi, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. (Photo by Mohd Zakir/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
PM Modi also interacts with citizens on some days and takes stock of crucial citizens’ issues and grievances. His programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is very popular among the masses as it addresses their problems.
On some days, he attends public events and addresses gatherings. It helps him engage and connect with the masses, while developing an enduring bond with him.
These meetings and programmes mostly continue till late evening. He also often hosts global leaders and delegations, holding strategic discussions with them.
Dinner, ‘studio debates’ and books
PM Modi has his dinner mostly at home in front of the TV. He eats very little after 6pm. A source reportedly said that he has learnt that PM Modi is an avid watcher of “studio debates” every night. He watches these debates after coming back from his hectic schedule. “While having dinner, he surfs from one channel to the other to look for issues of interest,” according to the source. He still reads books on history and political science in the late evenings, whenever he has time. During long flights, he can be seen poring over a book. Nikita Parmar, one of PM Modi’s biographers, pointed out as a young boy in hometown Vadnagar, he frequented the local library regularly, so reading has been integral to his life.
This routine shows how PM Modi prioritises disciplined lifestyle and follows a strict wellness regime. His effective leadership and governance apparently stem from this balanced approach.
