Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, November 12, urged Indian media organisations to work on the country's success stories and take them to the world, addressing journalists at the annual Diwali Milan gathering at the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters in New Delhi, ANI reported.

Source: ANI, via Daily Prabhat

Recalling his long association with the media, Modi said he had witnessed the entire evolution of media communication, 'from the era of the press release to the age of the Instagram reel,' and remembered his early days when he himself handled media communications for the party. He completed 25 years of continuous service as a head of government on October 7, ANI said.

50 crorePeople Modi said rose above the poverty line in 12 years, citing the World Bank
2047Modi's developed-India target year
25 yearsHis continuous service as head of government, completed Oct 7

'Garibi Hatao' slogan versus his government's claim

Taking aim at previous governments, Modi said there was a time when the slogan was 'Garibi Hatao' — remove poverty — but argued that his government had actually removed it. 'According to the World Bank, 50 crore people have been elevated from below the poverty line in the last 12 years,' he said, in remarks carried by news agencies. The figure was presented by the Prime Minister as his government's claim, citing the World Bank assessment.

Source: News agencies (PTI), via AasDigital

Modi also listed achievements he credited to the past 12 years across space, manufacturing, infrastructure and renewable energy, expressed confidence that India will definitely become a developed country by 2047, and urged journalists to spread awareness in the fight against drug abuse, saying the media can play an important role in protecting young people from addiction, The Indian Witness reported. Senior BJP leaders and Union ministers were present at the gathering.

Source: The Indian Witness