Mornings in India are a symphony of sounds—temple bells, boiling chai, the rustle of newspapers. For some of the country’s most accomplished individuals, how they kick off the day isn’t left to chance. From tech titans to spiritual leaders, their morning routines offer a window into the habits that fuel success. Here’s what we can learn from five inspiring Indians who’ve shared their start-of-day rituals.
The Disciplined Start: Narendra Modi
India’s Prime Minister rises at 5 a.m., a habit he’s maintained for decades. In interviews, he’s described beginning with yoga and pranayama, often outdoors, to align body and mind. Breakfast is light—sometimes just warm water with lemon—before he dives into briefings. Modi’s early rise, rooted in his time as a pracharak, gives him uninterrupted focus. Lesson: A consistent wake-up time and physical ritual can sharpen your day’s clarity.
The Reflective Pause: Sadhguru
The globally renowned yogi and founder of Isha Foundation wakes before sunrise—around 4 a.m.—for what he calls “inner engineering.” In his book Inner Engineering, he emphasizes starting with silence and a short meditation, often followed by a brisk walk. He skips a heavy meal, opting for fruits or herbal tea. Sadhguru’s mornings prioritize stillness over hustle. Lesson: Quiet reflection can recharge you more than rushing into action.
The Energized Flow: Pullela Gopichand
The badminton coach who shaped champions like P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal starts at 4:30 a.m. In a Times of India interview, he revealed heading straight to the court for training sessions, pairing it with light exercise like jogging. Breakfast is simple—oats or upma—eaten after practice. Gopichand’s early grind reflects his athletic discipline. Lesson: Movement first thing can kickstart your energy and focus.
The Strategic Kickoff: Sundar Pichai
Google’s CEO, born in Chennai, isn’t an extreme early bird—he wakes around 7 a.m., as shared in a Wall Street Journal profile. His morning includes reading The New York Times and sipping Assam tea, a nod to his Indian roots. Pichai avoids alarms when possible, preferring a natural wake-up. He’s said this calm start helps him tackle complex decisions later. Lesson: A gentle, informed beginning can set a thoughtful tone.
The Grounded Routine: Ratan Tata
The late industrialist emeritus of Tata Group had spoken of waking early—around 6 a.m.—in interviews (Forbes India). His mornings involved walking his dogs, a ritual he cherished for years, followed by a modest breakfast of toast or paratha. Tata used this time to skim newspapers, staying connected to the world. His simplicity shined through. Lesson: Pairing routine with purpose—like caring for others—keeps you grounded.
Your Morning, Your Way
These leaders show there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. Modi’s yoga, Sadhguru’s silence, Gopichand’s sweat, Pichai’s tea, Tata’s walks—each routine is personal yet deliberate. Want to try? Pick one habit: rise 30 minutes earlier, stretch, sip something warm, or step outside. India’s mornings are already full of life—add a spark of intention, and see where it takes you.