PM lauds media for its contribution towards "Swachh Bharat Mission"

New Delhi, Oct 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday in his first unofficial interaction reached out to the media and lauded the democracy's fourth estate for supporting his ambitious Swachh Bharat Mission.

The Prime Minister wished the nearly 200 journalists, gathered on the occasion of Deepawali Milan, a happy Diwali and extended his complements for Bhai Dooj.

Speaking at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi PM Modi said, "I laud the media for extensively covering the Swachha Bharat Mission and played a crucial role in creating awareness about making our country clean. In last one month I have read several articles on ‘Swachhta', a lot is being discussed in social media too. Together we'll achieve our goal."

pic.twitter.com/gNigQsmQRq

— DD न्यूज़ (@DDNewsHindi) October 25, 2014

"In the past one month I have observed that more and more columnists have written about the importance of cleanliness. The journalists have transformed their pens into brooms, this is a big service. I wish you achieve great heights in your lives," he further said.

I'm trying to find ways to improve my connection with the media: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/y1rjEO3MXU

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 25, 2014

Talking about bridging the gap between him and media the PM said he was looking for ways to deepen his old ties with the fourth estate. He remembered the time when he used to move chairs at the party office and used to freely interact with members of the press.

Thanking the media for its contribution towards bringing all sorts of news into public domain the PM said the media can play a much larger role in shaping the future of the country.

After his speech the Prime Minister first met some of the prominent faces of television and print media and also met the journalists, one to one, who are covering BJP beat and several ministries. The PM also allowed the reporters to click a selfie with him.

PM Narendra Modi interacting with media persons at BJP Headquarters #PMmediameet pic.twitter.com/lyC0teQ1SL

— ANI (@ANI_news) October 25, 2014

Union ministers Arun Jaitley, Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj, Prakash Javadekar, BJP president Amit Shah and other top BJP leaders were also present on the occasion.

OneIndia News