"I have still a lot to do in Gujarat. Let me do what I want in Gujarat and complete the work initiated," said Modi when asked about his aspirations and priorities on becoming the prime minister during an interaction with members of the Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO) here.
Many BJP leaders in the past have projected Modi as the party's future prime ministerial candidate.
Refusing to respond directly to a question on giving tips to the Centre on how to tackle corruption, as Gujarat had to emerge as a "corruption-free and scam-free" state, Modi merely said, "I am happy that Gujarat was viewed in India like this".
He said, "One can serve the country well, while remaining free from sins. This can be done in a good manner and positive results can also be achieved by doing so."
This, he said, was not merely an advice. "I am saying this after having Gujarat's experience. I am confident we can do this all over India and help make it corruption-free," while referring to the opening remarks of "Gujarat being corruption-free" in an article in 'Economist' magazine.
On being asked which of the personalities in history had influenced him most in life, Modi said, "I do not easily get influenced. But, I do get inspired."
However, the BJP leader said Swami Vivekananda had inspired him the most and he was looking forward to celebrating his 150th birth anniversary this year.
On western influence on the young in the country, the Gujarat chief minister said, "I do not feel it is so. The youth are keen to know our past and wish to go back to the roots. The youth have to be reasoned well and convinced. It is a challenge for the parents."
Delivering a talk on the theme "Proud to be Indian", Modi expressed his views on how the nation's rich traditions can become its strength in showing the world the way ahead in the 21st century.
"Our rich tradition would be our strength in the coming times," he said.
On how the country's rich culture, heritage and values be passed on to future generations, the BJP leader said, "Our tradition did not allow us exploitation of nature. It only allowed us milking of nature."
He said, "We can serve the whole world and tackle various problems confronting it, including that of global warming, if we can adhere to our traditional values".
Modi also talked about further empowerment of women, while lamenting that the developed/western world did not adhere to this even though they preached so.
He praised Asia for having women leaders as heads of nations and lamented that the developed nations did not accept women as their leaders. In saying so, Modi without naming the US, referred to the last presidential elections there, when women were rejected for the top position.
Talking about development, Modi said, "Sky is the limit in Gujarat. You are welcome there," as he extended a warm invitation to women to visit his state. Modi also underlined his phrase of bringing India's development, by bringing about development in Gujarat.
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