On 25th October, 2014, PM Narendra Modi met hundreds of people from media including top editors, journalists and reporters during a tea party hosted at BJP Headquarters in New Delhi.
At the event PM gave a short speech lauding the role of media in spreading the message of Swachh Bharat giving the mission a wide publicity and ensuring that people realise their role in keeping India clean. "You have converted your pen into broom... This is a service to the nation" he said to the attendees.
Noting that all including influential people are getting involved in the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign, he said the notion that government has to do everything has changed.
During his address, he fondly recalled his relations with the media when he was a BJP office-bearer before going to Gujarat as Chief Minister in 2001. "I used to arrange chairs here waiting for you. I had a beautiful relationship with you and it helped me in Gujarat," he told the attendees on the occasion at BJP Headquarters in Delhi
"It is important to interact with media directly rather than only reportage and articles. Not only does one get information but also vision, which is very valuable," he said to the media expressing his desire to expand his old relationship with the media.
(image source: India Today)
The PM later freely joined the journalists many of whom clicked selfies with him.
(image source: India Today)
Journalists and editors posted pictures with the PM on Twitter.
1st selfie with prime minister @narendramodi @ZeeNews pic.twitter.com/QOMz22YIGI— Sudhir Chaudhary (@sudhirchaudhary) October 25, 2014
PM @narendramodi meets with media at informal meet after the short speech. Photop with @BDUTT and I pic.twitter.com/mUrzMmDlEo— Smita Prakash (@smitaprakash) October 25, 2014
A rare meeting and a very rare picture with the Prime Minister @PMOIndia @bjpsamvad @ibnlive pic.twitter.com/WlJUV9HTcx— marya shakil (@maryashakil) October 25, 2014
The PM also clicked a pic of the BJP’s official photographer and then posed with him for a pic too.
(Image source : NitiCentral)
The event was attended by senior Ministers from the government and BJP President Amit Shah