‘He Lived Like A Monk’: Industrialist Recalls PM Modi’s ‘Simplicity’ During 1998 US Visit | India News

Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 23:14 IST

Mittal said he met with PM Modi in 1998 when he did not hold any government position and was left impressed by his knowledge and grassroots approach as a young man.

Industrialist ML Mittal recalled his meeting with PM Modi in 1998. (Agencies)

Industrialist ML Mittal recalled meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to New York around 25 years ago, saying his simplicity and humility left a deep impression on him at the time. Mittal painted a vivid picture of the Prime Minister’s life of austerity.

Mittal said he met with PM Modi when he did not hold any government position and was left impressed by his knowledge and grassroots approach as a young man. “He had immense knowledge and spoke with remarkable clarity about poverty eradication and the global role of the Indian diaspora. His depth of understanding and humility stood out,” he said.

Mittal hosted PM Modi at his residence after meeting him during an international programme themed around the ancient ideal of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family). The meeting was convened by the UN to revisit a resolution aimed at eradicating global poverty by 2050.

Mittal said he was stunned to see Modi’s austere lifestyle. “He lived like a monk. He fasted twice a week, avoided air-conditioning and fans, ate only fruits, and slept on the floor. He never stayed in hotels – he preferred the homes of followers. Once, he opened his tiffin, which was only jaggery and peanuts.”

‘Slept In Utility Room’

According to the businessman, Modi came along with some senior RSS members and stayed at his apartment. Mittal offered his own room or a hotel, as the air-conditioned rooms at his residence were allotted to senior leaders.

“He refused. Instead, he chose to sleep in a small utility room used for ironing clothes. It had no air conditioning and no attached bathroom, but he said it was perfect for him,” he said. The industrialist further said the young BJP leader would wake up by 5 am, make tea and prepare breakfast for everyone.

During a visit to Delhi later, Mittal found that Modi – despite serving as the BJP’s national general secretary – was living in a small quarter with minimal belongings. Despite rising in stature, PM Modi’s lifestyle remained unchanged.

““I congratulated him and joked that he must now be enjoying the perks of power. He refused and told me that he stayed in a servant’s quarter and used a dilapidated vehicle.”

“He received me in a small room with just a small bed and a few belongings. He even fetched water himself from the tap in his bottle. Despite his rising stature, Narendra Modi never let power or position affect his simplicity or personal discipline,” Mittal said.

Mittal also revealed that PM Modi was allotted a meagre $25 every day for his international visits, but he would use save from that and return the rest to the party fund. “He never entered politics for power. His path was one of service. The Gujarat model he pioneered has now become a global benchmark,” he added.

(with inputs from agencies)

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More

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