Prime Minister Narendra Modi adheres to a strict fasting regimen, which he discussed in an interview with Lex Fridman, released earlier this year. During the interview, PM Modi, who turned 75 on September 17, spoke about his experiences with fasting, emphasising how abstaining from food and consuming only water for extended periods greatly enhances sensory perception.
PM Modi on fasting: More than just discipline
PM Modi explained that during a fast, senses such as smell, touch, and taste become remarkably sharp, enabling one to detect even the subtle fragrance of water or the aroma of tea. Beyond the physical benefits, he highlighted the mental clarity and sharpened thought processes that fasting provides, suggesting it encourages innovative thinking and a fresh perspective.
When asked, “Can you explain why you fast and where your mind goes when you fast?” PM Modi had said in Hindi, “All your senses, especially the sense of smell, touch, taste, become so aware that you can even smell the water. If you've ever drunk water before, you wouldn't have experienced the smell. If someone passes by you with a cup of tea, you can smell the tea, the coffee. If you've seen a small flower before, you'll see it again today. You can recognise it a lot. That means all your senses become very active all of a sudden, and their capability to absorb and respond to things increases manifold. Secondly, I've experienced that your thoughts give a lot of sharpness and novelty. You're out of the box. I don't know about others, but this is my experience.”
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PM Modi shared his fasting routine
PM Modi revealed that he follows the ancient Indian tradition of Chaturmas, a four-month fasting period beginning in mid-June and continuing until after Diwali: “During this time, I eat only one meal within 24 hours.”
He discussed his Navratri fasting routine, explaining that he abstains from food entirely and drinks only hot water for nine days. “Drinking hot water has always been a part of my daily routine, and over time, my lifestyle naturally adapted to this habit,” he had said.
PM Modi also mentioned that he observes Chaitra Navratri fasting in March or April, during which he consumes only one type of fruit once a day for nine days. “If I choose papaya, then for all nine days, I won't touch anything else just papaya,” he had said.
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