From press releases to reels: PM Modi recalls his long bond with media

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday recalled how a group of women journalists learnt in 2001 that he was set to become Gujarat chief minister and demanded sweets from him, news agency Press Trust of India reported.Addressing journalists at a Diwali Milan programme organised by the BJP in New Delhi, PM Modi praised the media's role in keeping Indian democracy vibrant. He said he had witnessed its evolution from press releases to Instagram reels and remembered arranging chairs for journalists at similar party gatherings.Looking back at his long association with the media, PM Modi said there were fewer cameras in the past, but relationships were just as warm.

He added that he had learnt a lot from those interactions and that many of those experiences continued to help him.Referring to his completion of 25 years as the head of a government last month, PM Modi said only a few senior BJP leaders knew in 2001 that he was going to become Gujarat chief minister. "One day, a group of journalists stormed into my room. Normally, journalists never treat me like that.

But that day, they just barged in. And at that time, there used to be a women's brigade.

They possessed immense influence," PM Modi said, according to PTI."Gala hi pakad liya unhone. Bola mithai khilao (They caught me by the neck and asked me to treat them to sweets)," he said. "I asked why they wanted sweets, to which they said, 'You are going to Gujarat to become the chief minister.' I told them that I did not know.

They replied that they knew and that I was lying," PM Modi said.He said very few people knew about the decision at the time, but the group of journalists was already aware of it. "Anyway, their information was accurate, but it was very difficult for me to answer," he added.Greeting journalists at the BJP headquarters, PM Modi remarked that only a "few old faces" appeared to remain in the media. He praised journalists for pursuing breaking news even during festivals, when most people try to spend time with their families and loved ones."There are many colleagues from the new generation here.

However, those who are senior know that I have had a natural and longstanding relationship with your world," he said. "From press releases to Insta reel releases, I have witnessed a long evolution of media and media interactions."PM Modi recalled that, in the early 1990s, he was given responsibility for managing media arrangements across the country for two major yatras. "That was a time when one had to search for a fax machine just to send out a press release. When I came to Delhi, I still held this responsibility.

At that time, the party operated from the Ashoka Road office," he said."Even during those times, these Diwali gatherings used to take place. My job back then was to arrange chairs at such gatherings and welcome all of you," he added.PM Modi also recalled that several journalist friends attended his swearing-in ceremony as Gujarat chief minister in 2001 at their own expense and made their own arrangements. "They came not for reporting, but out of affection and love.

When I saw them after the swearing-in ceremony, I told them they should have informed me and I would have arranged something. They replied that they had just come on their own," he said.The prime minister said evolving technology had dramatically changed the nature of the media.

While the work of traditional media organisations had become somewhat easier, new challenges had also emerged, he said."Earlier, there used to be a struggle for massive outside broadcast vans, but today, the mobile phone itself has turned into one. Today, everyone has their own platform, their own channel and their own podcast," PM Modi said.He said it was once common to say that cricket experts could be found in every lane in India. "Someone in a village lane would explain what mistake Sachin Tendulkar made.

Nowadays, experts on every piece of news are available in every street," he said.Quoting the saying "jitne muh, utni baatein", which broadly means "as many people, as many opinions", PM Modi said: "That is why it sometimes feels that there are as many opinions as there are people in the country. Such diverse perspectives uphold our democracy and keep it vibrant.

The Indian media certainly plays an enormous role in this."PM Modi said one notable aspect of the news industry was that nothing was considered impossible. "Whether an accident occurs, an earthquake strikes or floods cause devastation, the whole world runs away from that place. Yet our field reporters swim against the tide.

Risking their own lives and putting aside concerns for their families, they reach the spot for coverage," he said."Such dedication is rarely witnessed, and for this, I have always been an admirer of yours," the prime minister told the gathering, according to PTI.PM Modi said a journalist's life revolved around deadlines and sought the media's support in meeting the government's deadline of making India a developed nation by 2047. He concluded by again acknowledging journalists' commitment and the media's role in sustaining a vibrant democracy.- Ends(With PTI inputs)