Shopkeeper's Joyful Encounter with PM Modi Over Jhalmuri
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Kolkata, April 19 (NationPress) Shopkeeper Vikram Shaw, who served the beloved Bengali street delicacy 'jhalmuri' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, expressed his astonishment at the unexpected visit, calling it a “remarkable moment” for him.
Amid his election campaign in West Bengal, PM Modi made a surprise stop in Jhargram to enjoy a quick snack of jhalmuri.
Shaw shared with IANS that he had never anticipated a visit from the Prime Minister to his stall.
“It is an incredible honor for me that the Prime Minister of the nation visited my shop to enjoy jhalmuri,” he stated.
Describing the details of the PM’s visit, he mentioned: “He (PM Modi) came over and first inquired about my name and well-being. Then he requested me to prepare jhalmuri.
“After I prepared one, he asked about the price. I attempted to decline taking money from him, but he insisted,” Shaw recounted.
Shaw was overjoyed when the Prime Minister praised his jhalmuri. “PM Modi also wanted to know the names of my parents and my hometown. I informed him that my family originates from Gaya, Bihar,” he added.
“PM Modi also asked me about my education and this business. I explained that due to financial constraints, I had to leave school after Class nine. I told him that I earn between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200, which is sufficient to support my family,” Shaw mentioned.
However, Shaw expressed regret for not asking the Prime Minister for an autograph. “I should have asked for his signature,” he smiled.
A local present at the stall during PM Modi’s visit remembered the moment as “unexpected and delightful.”
“It’s remarkable that the Prime Minister, despite holding such a prestigious position, chose to visit a humble shop in a small town like Jhargram. This is a moment of immense pride and joy for the residents here,” he remarked.
He further expressed gratitude towards PM Modi for his visit, noting, “This sets a precedent for small towns like Jhargram and for all of West Bengal.”
During his visit, the Prime Minister was seen engaging with locals, sharing smiles, and even enjoying jhalmuri with the children and women present at the shop.