
Modi Embraces Tranquil Island Meditation as Indian Election Finale Approaches
As the Indian elections of 2019 drew to a conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a unique approach to managing the pressures associated with the leadership race. He made the decision to spend two days on a meditation retreat, seeking solitude on a small island near India’s southern tip.
It’s not surprising that PM Modi headed for a retreat to the island. Known for his rigorous working style and austere lifestyle, he has long advocated the practices of yoga and meditation. For him, they are not just about physical well-being but also about achieving mental and spiritual equilibrium. Moreover, he has often stressed that these practices are deeply rooted in the Indian culture and tradition, making them a significant part of his personal identity.
For those two days, the leader of one of the world’s largest democracies sequestered himself in a cave at the Rudra Meditation Cave at Kedarnath, a highly revered pilgrimage site. Located about 11, 656 feet above sea level, this was no conventional meditation retreat by any stretch of imagination. A large part of PM Modi’s retreat involved meditating in an austere cave, which clearly showed a striking departure from the usual hustle and bustle of Indian politics.
It’s important to note that his decision coincided with the last phase of the voting. At a time when political leaders typically ratchet up campaigns and rallies, PM Modi chose to step back and find solace. This gesture speaks volumes about him as a leader and could be seen as a bold political statement, reflecting his confidence on his party’s prospects in the polls.
Beyond that, this retreat could also be perceived as an attempt by Modi to project a particular image of himself to the people of India. In the highly competitive world of Indian politics, image plays a vital role. Engaging in a meditation retreat, especially at a place considered holy by Hindus, sends a strategic signal to his largely Hindu voter base about his commitment to spirituality and Hindu traditions.
During the two-day retreat, PM Modi adhered to a strict routine. He meditated in solitude, practiced yoga, engaged in prayer rituals and took long walks up and down the mountain, often interacting with the pilgrims who had come to worship at the Kedarnath shrine. Despite his tight schedule, he found time to review developmental work being done at the Kedarnath shrine and also took an aerial survey of the area that was hit by a catastrophic flood in 2013.
This approach by PM Modi is in stark contrast to most political campaign strategies not just in India, but globally as well. It shows a unique blend of politics and personal faith, and could serve as an interesting case study for political scientists.
In essence, those two days of meditation, just as the Indian election was nearing its conclusion, encapsulated many dimensions of Modi’s leadership style: an unusual mix of personal solitude, spirituality, governmental duty and political symbolism. Whether this approach tangibly impacted the election outcome or not, it certainly left an undeniable impression, adding another chapter to the unique political journey of Narendra Modi.