This blog remains politically impartial. However, we hold great respect for the individuals who have assumed one of the most influential and responsible roles in India.
“The Yoga system of Patanjali is essentially a method for the discipline of the body and the mind leading up to psychic and spiritual training,” wrote Nehru in The Discovery of India.
Nehru maintained that yoga’s essence does not reside in contorted physical postures, but rather in the practice of disciplining and restraining our senses. By adhering to this approach, we unlock the true power of yoga.
Those who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to their tasks, rather than simply seeking results, embody the true spirit of a Yogi. By striving for perfection without attachment, they embark on a profound journey toward becoming a Yogi.
In commemoration of Independence Day, we present the first list of India’s prime ministers who exemplify the characteristics of a genuine yogi. We are working on the second part of the list and we promise to share that soon.
1. Jawaharlal Nehru: (Well Contented & Self Confidante)
Jawaharlal Nehru, the visionary leader, served as India’s first prime minister after it triumphed over colonial rule. Not only was he a skilled politician, but he also possessed the remarkable ability to inspire through his penmanship.
One of Nehru’s remarkable qualities shines through in the form of heartwarming anecdotes. Unlike many leaders, he never dismissed those who approached him with petitions. Even when waiting for their turn to meet him, they were treated with respect instead of being chased away.
Astonishingly, Nehru had an exceptional level of tolerance and patience towards the underprivileged. So much so, he allowed a slum to slowly develop right in front of the prime minister’s residence, demonstrating his sympathy for its inhabitants rather than resorting to forceful measures.
The yogi embodies a deep sense of contentment. Free from desires, this enlightened individual finds satisfaction in every situation. Whether it be a diamond or a piece of coal, the yogi treats all things equally, understanding their inherent value. Inner conflicts and confusion are foreign to them as they steadfastly navigate the journey of self-improvement, uplifting others along the way. Nehru is a shining example of these exceptional qualities.
2. Lal Bahadur Shastri: (Neutrality)
With an unwavering determination and remarkable resilience, Lal Bahadur Shastri emerged as a beacon of humility and tolerance. He possessed an astute understanding of the language that resonated with the masses, making him a true man of the people.
Guided by an empowering vision, Shastri skillfully steered the nation towards an era of progress. The profound influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s political teachings left an indelible mark on Shastri’s journey, further strengthening his resolve to bring about positive change.
When he passed away, all he had was a used Ambassador car that he was still making payments on. But let me tell you about Shastri – an untainted politician who fiercely championed the cause of our farmers and soldiers. Leading India to victory in the war against Pakistan, he sacrificed not only his own life but also the sweet taste of triumph, yielding to the immense international pressure for peace in the region.
By focusing solely on your duty, you can overcome any suffering that comes your way. Even in the face of immense pain, a yogi remains unwavering and sees the bigger picture. Lal Bahadur Shastri embodied this incredible strength to be neutral in challenging circumstances.
3. Indira Gandhi (Fearlessness)
Picture a room filled with attentive men, captivated by the compelling words of a distinguished woman. This captivating scene revolves around Indira Gandhi, the iconic “Iron Lady of India. With the charisma to move mountains and the determination to reshape nations, Indira Gandhi’s legacy transcends borders and generations.
If Shakti manifested in a physical presence, she would undoubtedly embody the fearless essence of Indira Gandhi. A captivating force of strength and determination, Indira Gandhi exuded unparalleled boldness throughout her reign as Prime Minister of India.
Are you familiar with an intriguing anecdote from her early years? During the period when her father was intermittently released from prison, spanning from 1923 to 1930, it was not uncommon for Kamala, Indira, and their father to share a meal.
As a means to cultivate bravery within Indira, her parents would allow her to navigate the stairs and lengthy veranda alone, leading to her bedroom after dinner. Amidst the dimly lit staircase, Indira couldn’t help but envision mysterious figures hiding within the garden, evoking an unsettling sense of anticipation.
She would often reflect on the memory of standing on a stool in her dimly lit room, desperately reaching for the light switch. This haunting experience of darkness and the unknown would forever remain etched in her mind. Though she never confided in her parents about her fear, the passage of time allowed her to find the courage to acknowledge it. Amazingly, this very same girl, who once trembled in the face of darkness, emerged triumphant in a fierce battle against Pakistan, skillfully and decisively splitting the country into two. True leadership is not a birthright, but a journey of conquering one’s weaknesses and fearlessly guiding others towards victory.
4. Shri Morarji Desai (Equanimity)
Mr. Desai, a true force to be reckoned with in our nation’s history. Not only was he the former Prime Minister, but he also fiercely fought for our freedom and served as the esteemed Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
Mr. Morarji Desai shared a story that inspired us. In the past, there were no written exams for Provincial Civil Services (PCS) selections, only interviews. When Mr. Desai went for his interview, he was told the vacancy was already filled. But he responded with optimism, saying he was young and had energy. He believed he could do something even greater.
Impressed by his attitude, the officials recommended creating a special post for Mr. Desai due to his qualifications, confidence, and energy.
During an interview, receiving the news from the interviewer that the position has already been filled can be quite disheartening for the candidate, leading to a sense of dejection and a loss of confidence. However, Morarji Desai demonstrated remarkable equanimity when faced with rejection.
5. Shri Rajiv Gandhi (Inclusive)
Rajiv Gandhi, the youngest-ever Prime Minister of India, made history by propelling the nation into the digital era. By deepening the foundations of the IT revolution, the former Prime Minister paved the way for a transformative journey that reshaped India into a technology powerhouse.
Rajiv Gandhi revolutionized India’s technological landscape, propelling the nation into the forefront of computer, telecom, and software development. With visionary technology missions, he galvanized India’s efforts in tackling societal hurdles, which resulted in remarkable achievements like turning the country into a global leader in vaccine production and eradicating polio.
Rajiv Gandhi’s vision for India was one of progress and he dedicated himself tirelessly to achieving it. What set him apart as a true leader was his ability to connect with and embrace the common people. He understood that balance was key in leadership, and he exemplified this with his commitment to both progress and the well-being of the people. Read one of the incidents below!
Rajiv Gandhi showed a different side of his personality during a visit to the city of the Taj. After a meeting, he interacted with the audience and spotted an elderly woman being stopped by a police officer. Rajiv Gandhi got angry and scolded the officer, despite the danger to his life. This was not common for politicians at the time, but Rajiv Gandhi took responsibility for his actions. He apologized to the officer the next day at the Dak bungalow. The gesture made the sub-inspector emotional.
Rajiv’s unwavering dedication to inclusivity set him apart, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to cross his path.
6. P. V. Narasimha Rao (Reformist)
The architect of India’s economic reforms, Narasimha Rao, known as a modern-day Chanakya, implemented vital economic and political reforms during India’s severe economic crisis. His relentless desire for change led to reforms in various sectors, including prisons, education, and land.
He also introduced policies like the Look East Policy and the Economic Policy of 1991. Narasimha Rao embodied self-discipline, passion, and courage to achieve growth and greatness.
7. Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Charismatic)
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, an unparalleled leader of the post-independence era, exuded a charisma that transcended party lines, political divides, and naysayers.
Serving as the first non-Congress Prime Minister, Vajpayee achieved an extraordinary feat by successfully leading a coalition government to a full five-year term. His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to progress left an indelible mark on India’s political landscape.
Vajpayee’s remarkable anecdote demonstrates the power of injecting purpose into our struggles which we guess is one of the lessons our young generation should learn. Despite falling short of a parliamentary majority by a mere 2 votes, he flatly stated that he could have easily formed a government by exploiting the opposition’s MPs. However, he staunchly refused to participate in the murky, immoral realm of politics.
He quoted – ‘ऐसी सत्ता को तो मैं चिमटे से भी छूना पसंद नही करुंगा’.
This inspiring speech reignited the flame of hope within the hearts of BJP workers, revitalizing their spirits even in the face of a slim defeat. Vajpayee’s unwavering integrity serves as an invaluable lesson for all, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s principles and beliefs.
8. Dr. Manmohan Singh (Humble)
Throughout his illustrious career spanning over five decades, Dr. Manmohan Singh has seamlessly transitioned from being an esteemed Advisor on foreign trade to assuming the esteemed position of the Prime Minister of India.
However, amidst the changing tides, his unwavering qualities of humility, integrity, and courage have remained constant. In the face of media hostility, Dr. Singh, ever resolute, confidently asserted with a smile, “History shall paint a kinder picture of me than the contemporary media.”
Dr. Manmohan Singh exemplifies humbleness, exhibiting unparalleled focus that shields the mind from external sensations and distractions. With unwavering determination, he remains impervious to the lure of surrounding noises and disturbances.
9. Narendra Modi (Bold & Fearless)
On the evening of May 26, 2014, Narendra Modi assumed the position of India’s Prime Minister. With a resounding mandate from the people, Modi embodies a powerful and ambitious leader. He is the beacon of hope for the dreams and desires of over a billion Indians.
Narendra Modi’s dynamic, decisive, and development-driven approach assures progress on all fronts. The nation believes in its ability to bring about the positive change they yearn for.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a decisive stance against terrorism in the aftermath of the Uri terrorist attack, signaling a groundbreaking shift in India’s policy towards Pakistan.
Recognizing the widespread prevalence of terrorism in South Asia, with Pakistan being a major source of its creation and support, Modi has strongly advocated for its complete eradication from the subcontinent. In light of this, he emphasized the need to abandon the distinction between “good” and “bad” terrorism following the devastating terrorist attacks in Peshawar.
Given the failures of peaceful bilateral talks and promises in dealing with Islamabad, the Balochistan issue has been emphasized as a means to address Pakistan’s blatant interference in Kashmir.
In response to numerous intrusions by Pakistan, including the Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Uri attacks, Prime Minister Modi has adopted a more firm stance. This was exemplified through India’s first-ever surgical strikes along the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
India’s anti-terrorism strategy under Prime Minister Modi has garnered support from its neighboring nations, despite some big powers remaining reluctant to openly back it.
As India takes bold steps in this crucial fight, it is encouraging to see its neighbors standing in solidarity. This unified stand not only demonstrates the strength of Modi’s approach but also sends a powerful message to those forces that threaten regional security.
To Wrap Up,
In conclusion, every Indian Prime Minister possesses unique yogic qualities that shape their leadership. At hellomyyoga, we firmly believe that we all possess inherent yogic qualities that empower us in life’s journey. hellomyyoga provides transformative yoga courses and programs rooted in age-old wisdom, guiding individuals toward their true essence. Experience profound personal growth and start your journey of genuine self-discovery through our unparalleled programs and experts.
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