Curated list of Narendra Modi's favorite books

Narendra Modi is India's Prime Minister. He holds power over the life of a billion people and commands one of the world's largest standing armies. What's his mindset like? What are his intellectual inspirations? Let's explore👇

Bhagvad Gita(400 BC). Gita is one of the holiest books of Hinduism. It contains isights on war, personal life, statecraft, and a lot more. Read this memo for 9 timeless insights from Gita👇

The Kural (300 B.C). The Kural is another ancient text Modi has recommended multiple times. It's a wide-ranging philosophical work that touches on the nature of friendship, how time is a "sword hacking at life," and more. Read this memo for more👇

Swami Vivekananda. Vivekananda was an Indian mystic who cast a long shadow over modern India. Modi has invoked him on multiple occasions. Read this memo for Vivekananda's refreshing and counter-intuitive take on religion 👇

A New Idea Of India(2020). This is a more recent book that Modi has tweeted about. It explores how Hinduism is unique among world religions, India's mistakes in the last 70 years, and the great opportunities ahead. A deep dive👇

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin(1791). As one of the founding fathers of America, Benjamin Franklin helped create a new form of political life. Perhaps Modi has similar ambitions - albeit ambitions adjusted to the Indian context.

Pollyanna(1913). Modi wants to promote reading from a young age, and he has recommended this book for children. This classic made popular the Pollyanna type of person - someone who maintains a positive attitude in life despite all its sorrows.

Integral humanism. This book is written by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, one of Modi's intellectual heroes. Written during the cold war, this book argued that the Indian people and leaders should eschew both the Soviet and the western path, and create their own. Read on👇

Savarkar: Echoes From A Forgotten Past(2019). Savarkar was a controversial figure during the Indian independence movement, and Modi has tweeted about his new biography. This book digs into his early life to figure out the origins of his thought.

Bottom line. Our leaders shape our political, economic, and social life in many ways, major and minor. The way they think matters. Browse the full Modi bookshelf here: