PM Modi interacts with media; thanks journalists for support in 'Swachh Bharat' mission

NEW DELHI: In his first interaction with the media after assuming office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked journalists for their support in the ' Swachh Bharat' initiative.

"I have been reading a lot of articles both in print and social media on Swachh Bharat. While a lot of people are questioning whether it will be possible, the very fact that a subject that greatly injures India's image abroad is being discussed is important," Modi said. "Writing about clean India drive is a service to the nation," he urged.

"Preventive healthcare is more important than healthcare and cleanliness plays a very important role in that," Modi stressed. Lauding media for its mass outreach, Modi said, "The country's media can play an important role in the development of the nation. A PM's broom alone won't help, media has converted its pen into a broom and that alone is a big step," he said.

"I am trying my best to meet with the media more often. I have a lot to learn from media," Modi said. Modi also extended his greetings on the occassion of Diwali and festive season.



Modi recalled his fond relations with the media when he was a BJP office-bearer before going to Gujarat as Chief Minister in 2001. Using the Diwali milan (get-together) organised by BJP chief Amit Shah at the party headquarters, Modi freely mixed with a few hundred journalists, including top editors and beat reporters.

"I used to arrange chairs here (BJP office) waiting for you (media). Those were different days when we used to interact freely. I had a beautiful relationship with you and it helped me in Gujarat," he told the assembled editors, reporters and other journalists.

Fondly recalling the deep relationship he had with the media, Modi said he was looking for ways to further deepen and expand the old relationship.



"Some way will be found. It is important to interact with media directly rather than the reportage and articles. By interacting directly, one gets to know things which media persons cannot report. Not only does one get information but also vision, which is very valuable," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)