The much-awaited episode of Man Vs. Wild, featuring PM Modi aired last night. This was the second time a world leader was featured on the show. In an eventful episode, Grylls promised to keep the PM alive in the wild and went on a remarkable journey through forests and rivers.

He is cold, he is wet but he is a hero.

-Bear Grylls

Among several things that occurred in the epsiode, here are some of the key highlights and exchanges between the PM of India and the king of the wild Bear Grylls.

1. When PM Modi spoke about his childhood and his visit to the Himalayas.

He told Grylls about venturing into the Himalayas in his teens.

At the age of 17-18, I left my home to understand the world better. I decided to go to the Himalayas because I liked nature. Those moments still continue to drive me.

-PM Narendra Modi

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2. When he finally told the full story of the ‘baby crocodile’.

PM Modi told Grylls he once picked up a baby crocodile from a pond where he went to bathe. He said,

My mother said to me this is wrong. You cannot do this. You should not do this, put it back. I went and put it back,”

-PM Narendra Modi

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3. When the PM revealed he made soap out of dewdrops in his childhood.

I was born into a very modest family. We were very poor, but my life has always been very deeply connected with nature. In winter, the dewdrops would create a layer of salt. I would collect it, bring it home and use it as a detergent to wash clothes. We would mix it in water and use it to take bath as well.

-PM Narendra Modi

4. When he basically explained the essence of Swachh Bharat.

Someone from outside cannot clean my India, the people of India make India clean. Personal hygiene is in the culture of the Indian people. We need to develop the habit of social hygiene. Mahatma Gandhi has done a lot of work on it and recently we have seen success in this regard. I believe India will succeed in this endeavour very soon.
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5. When he said he doesn’t take vacations.

The PM, known for his travels the world over told Grylls that this would be considered his first-ever vacation in 18 years.

The focus has been always been on one thing and that is development. And I am satisfied with that job. Today, if I consider this time as a vacation, then I must say I am taking a vacation for the first time in 18 years.

-PM Narendra Modi

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6. When he spoke about his stance on preserving human and animal life.

Bear Grylls gave the PM a little tutorial on wildlife self-defence. But the PM succinctly responded saying,

My values don’t allow me to take a life. 

-PM Narendra Modi

7. When the PM plugged our very own wildlife treasure — Jim Corbett.

Jim Corbett National Park is a great place for people to experience nature. People who are interested in the environment and its issues should come and visit this lovely place,

-PM Narendra Modi

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8. When the PM spoke about never experiencing fear.

PM Modi said he never really felt the emotion of ‘nervousness’. He added,

My problem is that I have never experienced such fears. I am unable to explain it to people what nervousness is and how to deal with it because my in-built temperament is very positive. I see positivity in everything. And because of that reason, I am never disappointed.

-PM Narendra Modi

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9. When he spoke about Indians worshipping plants as holy.

In India, every plant is seen as God.

-PM Narendra Modi

10. When he spoke about how he being a PM never mattered.

It never occurs to me who I am. I have never cared about anything else but work. The position, the designation doesn’t matter.

-PM Narendra Modi

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