‘Cameras Were Few, Relationships Strong’: PM Modi Recalls Bond With Journalists At Diwali Milan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Diwali Milan programme at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in Delhi on Thursday, recalling his longstanding association with journalists and the changing media landscape.

Reflecting on his early political years, PM Modi said cameras were once rare, but personal relationships within the media fraternity were stronger.

Addressing journalists, the Prime Minister extended Diwali greetings to them and their families and wished them ahead of Chhath Puja.

He acknowledged that journalists often spend festivals away from their families because of professional commitments and breaking news responsibilities.

PM Modi thanked the journalists for attending the gathering despite their busy schedules. Recalling his association with the media since the early 1990s, he highlighted the transformation in communication, from traditional press releases to Instagram reels.

He also remembered the difficulties of sending press releases when fax machines were not easily accessible.

Recalling earlier Diwali gatherings on Ashoka Road, Modi said cameras were few, but relationships were stronger.

Drawing parallels between journalism and politics, PM Modi said responsibilities naturally change when individuals move into different positions. He noted that he had completed 25 years as the head of a government.

PM Modi praised journalists for reporting from disaster-hit areas, often risking their safety. He also recalled friends attending his 2001 oath-taking ceremony at their own expense and highlighted deadlines as central to newsroom operations.

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