Renowned podcaster and computer scientist Lex Fridman revealed that he had fasted for 45 hours, consuming only water, before his interview with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The much anticipated three-hour-long podcast was released on Sunday, in which Modi spoke about a range of issues, from his childhood memories to India’s stand on global affairs.
During the interaction, Fridman claimed that he had fasted for almost two days to get in the right mindset.
"So, I should also say I'm fasting right now. It has been almost two days, 45 hours, so just water, no food in honour of this conversation, just to get in the right mindset, get into the spiritual level. I have read that you often fast for many days," he said.
The podcaster then asked the prime minister to share his experience of fasting.
Modi, while hailing Fridman’s decision to fast, stressed on the benefits of fasting in sharpening the senses, enhancing mental clarity, and instilling discipline. Fasting is a scientific process rather than merely skipping meals and is deeply connected to traditional and Ayurvedic practices, the prime minister said.
Modi pointed out that India’s religious traditions are a way of life.
“Our scriptures outline various paths, traditions, and systems to achieve this, and fasting is one of them, but fasting alone is not everything. In India, whether you see it culturally or philosophically, sometimes I see that fasting is a way to cultivate discipline,” said the prime minister.
