‘From Press Releases to Instagram Reels’: PM Modi Recalls His Journey With the Media

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday recalled the evolution of media communication in India, saying he had witnessed the transition from the "era of the press release to the age of the Instagram reel".

Speaking at a Diwali Milan gathering with journalists at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Modi looked back at his early years in the party, when he was responsible for media communication and organising interactions with journalists.

Extending Diwali and Chhath greetings to journalists and their families, the Prime Minister thanked them for attending the gathering during the festive season, despite their demanding schedules.

"The festive season is a time when everyone strives to be at home, spending time with their families and loved ones. Yet, given the nature of your work—constantly racing to cover breaking news—I am truly grateful that you have taken the time to attend this event, which is not focused on 'breaking news'," he said.

RECALLS EARLY DAYS OF MEDIA MANAGEMENT

Modi recalled his responsibilities during the 1990s, when he was associated with two major nationwide campaigns. He said communication with the media was very different at the time, with party workers often having to search for a fax machine to send press releases.

"In the 1990s, I was entrusted with responsibilities across the country for two major nationwide campaigns (yatra). This was an era when one had to hunt for a fax machine just to send out a press release," he said.

He added that the responsibility continued even after he moved to Delhi. Recalling earlier Diwali Milan gatherings, PM Modi said his role involved arranging chairs and looking after journalists who attended the events.

He noted that although there were fewer cameras at the time, the personal relationships between political workers and journalists remained strong.

JOURNALISTS KNEW OF HIS GUJARAT APPOINTMENT

The Prime Minister also recalled how a group of journalists had approached him with sweets after learning that he was likely to become Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001.

PM Modi said the journalists had learnt about his impending appointment before many people within the BJP.

He recalled a group of journalists, including several women, entering his room and telling him: "Offer us some sweets! You're heading to Gujarat—you're about to become the Chief Minister."

25 YEARS AS HEAD OF GOVERNMENT

PM Modi also referred to completing 25 years as the head of a government. He first took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, and served in the post until 2014, before becoming Prime Minister on May 26 that year.

He completed 25 years in the position on October 7, 2026. His third consecutive term as Prime Minister began on June 9, 2024.

With inputs from ANI