Modi Urges This Generation To Take Time Off From Busy Schedules For Self-Introspection

In the third instalment of the interview with Humans of Bombay, Modi elucidates on the virtues of meditation and the positive effect it can bestow in one's life. After his return from the Himalayas, Modi didn't waste any time getting down to the business of dedicating his life for the service of others. He moved to Ahmedabad and became a full-fledged member of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

"We all took turns to clean the RSS office, prepare tea and food for colleagues and clean utensils," he said. "To ensure that this new phase of life didn't take over the sense of peace that I achieved there [Himalayas], I decided to take out some time every year and introspect. It was my way of maintaining a balanced life."

Amidst his busy schedule that with his duties in the RSS included "occasionally helping my uncle at his canteen," Modi wanted to ensure that he didn't get lost in the clamour of city life. He wanted to retain the tenets from his Himalayan travels. He said, "To ensure that this new phase of life didn't take over the sense of peace that I achieved there [Himalayas], I decided to take out some time every year and introspect. It was my way of maintaining a balanced life."

During Diwali, he would take five days off to ruminate on his life without being interrupted by people, radio, newspaper or TV. He took off to the jungle where he would take the time to reflect on his life.

"I would reflect - and the strength that this alone time gave me still helps me to handle life and its various experiences." When people asked him who he was going to meet, he answered: "I am going to meet myself."

Modi believes that it is quite important for people to take the time off for self-introspection. It could change ones perception unto life like it did his. He urged the youngsters to go on a journey of self-discovery. The time off from his busy schedule gave him the strength to face the adversities head-on. He believes it's detrimental to spend time knowing yourself in this "fast-paced life" so you would be well-equipped to "handle life and it's various experiences."

"You will start living in the true sense of the word," he said. "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."

In the five-part interview with Humans of Bombay Modi shared his nuggets of wisdom and the trail he had to travel in the course of his life. In the first instalment, he spoke about his family and the reverence he holds for his mother. The second part was about the uncertainty of his purpose and his decision to travel to seek some clarity about his path.