Narendra Modi daily routine: What Prime Minister's habits reveal about his journey

PM Narendra Modi has completed 25 years in public life so far — first as Chief Minister of Gujarat for 12 years and now over 11 years as India's Prime Minister. From his early years as an organiser in Gujarat's Vadnagar to becoming one of India's most recognisable political figures, PM's journey has been widely documented. His routines, influences and interests offer glimpses into the habits that have shaped the man behind the public figure.

There are many recurring themes highlighted on PM Modi's official profile page that talk about his daily habits and keen interests in yoga, reading, writing, poetry and a strong regard for teachers. His strong inclination towards discipline, a habit of working long hours inculcated over the years, and personal routines shed light on how he approaches his work and conducts himself in day-to-day life, which is full of challenges and demands undivided attention.

Some of the Prime Minister's habits have often been talked about on various public platforms, not only by those who have worked closely with him over the years, but also by those who came to know him later in life. He might not be getting enough time to pursue some of these interests, but they have certainly played a role in shaping his personality.


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Yoga as a morning routine

Yoga has remained one of the most consistent elements in PM Modi's life. According to the Prime Minister’s official profile on pmindia website, he begins his day with yoga, which he describes as a practice that strengthens both body and mind.

Over the years, PM Modi has spoken about yoga and how he was introduced to yoga and pranayama at an early age. In an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, when he was asked whether he does yoga or meditates, PM Modi said that he was fortunate to have been introduced to the world of yoga and pranayama at an early age. He said that it had been very useful to him and that he always advises everyone to make it a part of their lives. PM Modi also highlighted that yoga synchronises the heart, the mind and the body.

The Prime Minister has publicly advocated yoga and also proposed the creation of the International Day of Yoga on September 27, 2014, during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. The proposal received a tremendous response, and the UN General Assembly subsequently adopted a resolution proclaiming June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.

Discipline that began early

According to the personal life story on the Prime Minister of India's official website, PM Modi had to balance his studies and other family responsibilities in the early years of his life as a student, while his family was also running a tea stall at Vadnagar Railway Station. This family responsibility shaped Modi's outlook to a great extent. After joining the RSS, he followed a demanding schedule that involved waking up early, around 5 am, and staying up late at night to manage work for the organisation.

PM Modi has talked about the importance of having a routine in life on many occasions. During his interactions with students in the Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 programme, he talked about the importance of having qualities such as discipline and adaptability. He said it is better to build habits rather than rely on short-term preparation. Life skills are also important as they make life easier, and he has also put emphasis on education and skills. He also underlined the value of updating professional skills and learning new technologies to adapt.

PM's message often reflects how he has stuck to the same principles in his life to achieve long-term goals through consistent and sustained effort rather than a short-term push.

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Long working days and work as a source of satisfaction

PM Modi is someone who does not see a difference between work and leisure. While talking about PM Modi in 2025 in an interview given to NDTV, Home Minister Amit Shah said that he had never seen PM Modi take a single leave from work in 24 years. He further added that the PM's energy continues to increase and that he sets stricter goals.

During his interview with Fareed Zakaria, PM Modi himself said that he was the “not-working” type, as he derives pleasure from his work, which also gives him relaxation. PM further added that every moment he thinks of something new or makes a new plan to find new ways to work. He also said that he drew pleasure from governance, doing new things and bringing people together. “That pleasure is sufficient for me,” he said.

The official information on PM Modi's early organisational years describes him as someone who worked long hours. During his years as an RSS pracharak in Ahmedabad, he reportedly used to start early and continue until late at night. This approach to work has become a central part of his daily routine.

Books and the habit of reading

Back in 2019, PM Modi, during his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme, urged people to devote some time to reading and talk about the books they liked on the 'Narendra Modi Mobile App'. He also reiterated that his policy has remained the same: 'No Bouquet, But Book', which entails gifting books rather than bouquets to people.

According to PM's official biography on the PM India website, he was a child who was very curious about reading books and used to spend a lot of time in the local library in Vadnagar. PM Modi also developed an interest not only in reading but also in debates while he was growing up.

During the 9th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, PM Modi recalled the role teachers played in his life. He said that his teacher encouraged him to visit the library daily, read the editorial line in The Times of India, write it down and discuss it the next day, which instilled discipline and curiosity.

These recollections offer specific examples of how reading became a daily practice in his life rather than just a leisure activity.

Writing and poetry

When it comes to literary interests, PM Modi's official profile highlights that he enjoys writing and has also authored several books, including books of poetry. PM Modi has shown his interest in poetry in his public engagements and social media posts and has also used Sanskrit verses and references to poets to evoke themes of discipline, learning and public service.

In a post on X in July 2026, PM Modi shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam highlighting the qualities of an ideal and truly excellent individual in fulfilling personal, social and national duties.

The literary side of PM's public persona is not limited to reading but also involves writing and the use of poetry and classical verses.

A memory for people, places and experiences

A much-talked-about aspect of PM's public persona is his recollection of people and various experiences from different stages of his life. As stated in his official biography, PM Modi embarked on a journey across India at the age of 17, which not only exposed him to different cultures but also helped him form a broader outlook towards life, drawing from his experiences and interactions with people.

In 2019, while interacting with the Facebook page Humans of Bombay, PM Modi shared that he used to go to jungles for a five-day hiatus every year to reflect on his life. He shared that after returning from the mountains, he knew that he wanted to live a life in the service of others. He also shared that when he became a full-time pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he got the opportunity to interact with people from different walks of life and do a wide range of work.

All these recollections shed light on the development of his life and experiences, which have shaped his thoughts and actions.

A continuing interest in India’s history and civilisation

Over the years, PM Modi's public speeches and writings have included many examples of India's history and civilisational traditions. His official biography also talks about how his childhood in Vadnagar had a strong spiritual and historical influence and how the works of Swami Vivekananda influenced his thinking during his formative years.

PM Modi continues to draw inspiration from India's philosophical traditions and historical references, which are relevant to contemporary life and can be applied to how one conducts oneself in public, approaches education and takes care of public responsibilities.

Last year in April, a book titled 'Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay', a compilation of speeches delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on various occasions, was launched in New Delhi. The book is a curated collection of PM's addresses on Indian culture, traditions, spiritual values and heritage delivered on various occasions over the past 10 years.

The idea of service over personal achievement

One of the most consistent aspects or themes of PM Modi's life is the idea of service over personal achievement. He developed a keen interest in serving others at a very young age, and that spirit was further strengthened over the years by his experiences.

PM Modi has often exhorted students and young people to focus on how they can contribute or serve others rather than chasing personal goals or recognition. In the Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 programme, he used the formulation “Aspire, not to be, but to do” while discussing goals and education.

Whether viewed as a personal philosophy or as part of his public messaging, service before self has remained a motto of PM Modi's life and political journey.