'Used to collect chalk to polish my white canvas shoes': PM Modi recounts memories of 'growing up in poverty'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, during an interaction with US-based podcaster Lex Fridman, shared his experiences of "growing up in poverty" in Gujarat. However, Modi said he never felt burdened by those situations and was always optimistic.

Speaking about his school days, PM Modi said, "My childhood was spent in extreme poverty. I collected used chalks from school to polish my white canvas shoes."

He also spoke about his father's tea shop and said that he learnt a lot from people who came to their shop when he used to sit there.

Modi said he still uses those learnings in his own public life.

The PM said, "I am here for a purpose, and I have been sent by a higher power, but I am not alone; the one who sent me is always with me."

Modi also said he feels blessed to have learnt life's values from a "sacred" organisation like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), lauding it for working since 1925 to "inspire people to dedicate themselves to the country".

During his over three-hour interaction, Modi also mentioned Ramakrishna Mission, its founder Swami Vivekananda and its monk Swami Atmasthananda as among those who shaped his spiritual values.