I would go away during Diwali... live somewhere in a jungle for 5 days: PM Modi

In an interview with a popular social media page, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went over his past experiences and his journey to becoming the Prime Minister of the country.

The interview is being released online in parts with the third part published by Humans of Bombay on Tuesday on its various social media handles.

In the interview, PM Modi reminisced over his visit to the Himalayas and how his resolve to be "in the service of others" became resolute once he returned from the mighty mountains.

He shared how he visited Ahmedabad and gained the experience of city life for the very first time.

"Eventually, I became a full time Pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. There, I got the opportunity to interact with people from different walks of life and do a wide range of work. We all took turns to clean the RSS office, prepare tea and food for colleagues and clean utensils," the prime minister added.

However, the humdrum of his busy life never took away his Himalayan learnings, Modi said.

PM Modi emphasised the significance of introspection and shared that he would always delve into the practice of self-scrutiny every once in a while.

"Not many people know this, but I would go away for the 5 days of Diwali. Somewhere in a jungle – a place with only clean water and no people. I would pack enough food to last for those 5 days. There would be no radio’s (sic) or newspapers, and during that time, there was no TV or internet anyway. I would reflect – and the strength that this alone time gave me still helps me to handle life and its various experiences. People often asked me, ‘Who are you going to meet?’ And I would say, "Mai mujhse milne ja raha hu (I am going to meet myself,)" the PM noted.

The Prime Minister, often during his 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme, would give motivational speeches and share anecdotes from his life to inspire children and youngsters.

In the interview, PM Modi urged his "young friends" to take some time off "in the midst of fast paced life and busy schedules."

"Take some time off… think and introspect. It will change your perception – you will understand your inner self better. You will start living in the true sense of the word. It will also make you more confident and undeterred by what others say about you. All of these things will help you in times to come. So I just want each and every one of you to remember that you are special and that you don’t have to look outside for the light...it’s already within you,” he concluded.