PM Modi speaks about role of RSS in his life on Lex Fridman Podcast: 'RSS teaches nation is everything'

PM Modi with Lex Fridman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said one of the core values that were instilled in at RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) was, whatever you do, do it with a purpose. He further said, "More than anything, the RSS provides you with a clear direction toward what can truly be called a purpose in life. Secondly, the nation is everything, and serving the people is akin to serving God."

PM Modi sat in a podcast with celebrated US podcaster and MIT researcher, Lex Fridman in the national capital. The entire episode was aired on Sunday.

He further said that RSS is a massive organization. "It is now nearing its 100th anniversary. Such a massive volunteer organization likely doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. Millions of people are connected to it, but understanding RSS is not that simple," he said.

Through the RSS, I found a life of purpose, said PM Modi

PM Modi, further in the podcast said through RSS he found a life of purpose. "Then I was fortunate to spend some time among the saints, which gave me a strong spiritual foundation. I found discipline and a life of purpose. And through the guidance of saints, I gained spiritual grounding," he added.

He further said that the teachings of Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Vivekananda, and the service-driven philosophy of the RSS have played a crucial role in shaping me.

RSS' work for the tribal community

PM said some volunteers nurtured by RSS are dedicated to serving tribal communities through Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and they live among the tribal people, working for their welfare. "They have established over 70,000 one-teacher schools in remote tribal regions. There are also some people in America who show their support for this cause and contribute donations of about $10 or $15. And they say, “Skip a Coca-Cola this month. Don’t drink Coca-Cola and donate that money to a one-teacher school instead," he added.

Biggest labour union

PM Modi said in terms of membership size, there is Indian Labor Union. "It has around 50,000 unions with millions of members across the country. Perhaps in terms of scale, there is no bigger labor union in the world," he added.

Comparing RSS with leftist ideologies

Historically, leftist ideologies have fueled labor movements worldwide. PM said their slogan is - “Workers of the world unite.” "The message was clear. Unite first and then we’ll deal with everything else. But what do the labor unions run by RSS-trained volunteers believe in? They say, “Workers unite the world.” Others say, “Workers of the world unite.” And we say, “Workers unite the world.” It may seem like just a small shift in words, but it represents a huge ideological transformation," he said.