"Criticism Is the Soul of Democracy": PM Modi Speaks on Lex Fridman Podcast
March 15, 2025: 📌 New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a wide-ranging conversation with US-based podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman, emphasized that criticism is essential for democracy but expressed concern over the decline of well-informed critiques in today’s world. He also spoke about his childhood, leadership philosophy, and global issues such as Ukraine, Pakistan, and terrorism.
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💬 “Criticism is the soul of democracy. If democracy runs in your veins, you must embrace it. We should have more criticism, and it should be sharp and well-informed,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi drew upon ancient Indian wisdom, citing scriptures that encourage people to keep critics close, as they help refine decision-making.
💬 “Genuine criticism requires study, deep research, and careful analysis. But today, many take shortcuts, avoiding thorough research. Instead of identifying real weaknesses, they jump straight to accusations,” he remarked.
Also Read: Putin Thanks PM Modi and Trump in Ukraine Ceasefire Briefing
He warned that unfounded allegations create conflict instead of constructive dialogue, stressing that real progress comes from well-founded, thoughtful critique.
💬 “Allegations benefit no one. I always welcome criticism openly, but baseless accusations won’t distract me from serving my country.”
PM Modi also reflected on his childhood in Gujarat, sharing personal anecdotes from growing up in a modest household.
💬 “As a boy, I had to whiten canvas shoes with chalk and press my clothes using a copper pot filled with hot water. But we never felt poor—because we had never seen luxury, we didn’t know what we were missing,” he recalled.
🔹 These experiences, he said, shaped his outlook on life, leadership, and discipline.
Discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, PM Modi reiterated India’s stance on peace, urging both nations to negotiate rather than prolong conflict.
💬 “The world faces a crisis in food, fuel, and fertilizer. The global community must unite for peace. I am not neutral—I take a stance, and that stance is peace.”
PM Modi did not hold back in criticizing Pakistan’s role in global terrorism, stating that India has repeatedly sought peace, but Pakistan continues to harbor and export terrorism.
💬 “They have waged a proxy war against us. This is not ideology—what kind of ideology thrives on bloodshed? Wherever terror strikes, the trail somehow leads to Pakistan.”
✔️ Criticism should be sharp and well-researched, not baseless allegations.
✔️ PM Modi’s humble upbringing shaped his leadership and work ethic.
✔️ He calls for peace in Ukraine but urges diplomatic solutions, not war.
✔️ Pakistan must abandon terrorism if it wants better relations with India.
PM Modi’s conversation with Lex Fridman showcased his philosophy on leadership, democracy, and international relations. From welcoming constructive criticism to advocating for peace and stability, the Prime Minister reiterated his vision for a stronger, self-reliant India and a more stable world.
PM Modi Lex Fridman podcast, Modi on democracy, Modi Ukraine peace talks, India-Pakistan relations, PM Modi childhood stories, criticism in democracy, Modi leadership philosophy, India foreign policy.
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