Happy 76th Birthday, PM Narendra Modi: The 5 Daily Habits That Keep Him Going

September 17 marks another milestone for India’s prime minister – he turns 76 today. Yet, if you ever watched a clip of him stepping off a plane, you’d swear he’s barely in his thirties. The secret? Not a miracle pill, but a set of habits he’s stuck to for decades.

First thing in the morning, before most of us have even hit the snooze button, Modi is already up. Somewhere between 4:00 am and 5:00 am, he rolls out of bed, slips on a pair of simple sandals and heads to a quiet corner for yoga. He starts with a series of surya namaskar, flowing through each pose with the calm focus of a monk. The breath‑control exercises – pranayama – follow, filling his lungs and, according to him, clearing the mental fog that a 18‑hour workday inevitably brings.

It’s not just about the stretch; it’s about the mindset. After the mat, he settles into a short meditation. A few minutes of sitting still, eyes closed, thoughts observed without judgment – this, he says, helps him stay centered when the nation’s challenges pile up. In his own words, meditation is the “anchor that keeps the ship steady”.

When the sun is fully up, the prime minister moves to the kitchen. There’s no fancy super‑food smoothie or a plate of protein‑packed quinoa. Instead, you’ll find a bowl of khichdi, some poha, or a modest serving of Gujarati kadhi paired with seasonal vegetables. The meals are light, vegetarian and, most importantly, easy on the digestion. He avoids processed junk, preferring food that fuels rather than drags him down.

Physical activity, for Modi, isn’t limited to a gym membership. He’s been spotted walking barefoot along a path that mirrors the five elements – earth, water, fire, air and space. The ground beneath his feet varies from soft grass to cool pebbles, a practice that some call natural reflexology. The simple act of walking on different textures stimulates nerve endings, improves circulation, and, as he jokes, keeps him “grounded” in more ways than one.

And then there’s sleep – the one thing most of us wish we could stretch to eight or nine hours. Modi admits he clocks only about four to five hours each night. Yet, he swears it’s the quality, not the quantity, that matters. By the time he lies down, his mind is already switched off, thanks to the relaxation techniques he’s honed over the years. He falls asleep within minutes, waking refreshed enough to repeat the cycle.

Put together, these five habits – early yoga, meditation, simple meals, barefoot walks and restorative sleep – form a blueprint that any of us could try, albeit perhaps without the political pressure. What stands out is the discipline behind each choice. Modi doesn’t treat them as occasional luxuries; they’re non‑negotiable parts of his day, just like any important meeting.

So, on his birthday, rather than a list of accolades, perhaps the best gift is a reminder that stamina at any age is less about genetics and more about consistent, mindful living. If a 76‑year‑old prime minister can keep pace with the world’s demands, imagine what the rest of us could achieve with a little routine and a lot of resolve.