Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 12 November attended the Diwali Milan programme at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi, where he reflected on his decades-long bond with the media fraternity — recalling a time when cameras were scarce but personal relationships ran deep. The gathering brought together journalists from across generations for a festive meet ahead of Chhath Puja.

A Journey from Fax Machines to Instagram Reels

Addressing the assembled journalists, Modi traced the arc of media communication he had witnessed firsthand — from the early 1990s, when press releases had to be transmitted through fax machines, to the present era of social media and instant publishing. 'From press releases to Instagram reels, I have witnessed a long journey of media communication,' he said, noting that his national organisational responsibilities began in that period.

He recalled that the BJP office on Ashoka Road in Delhi had hosted Diwali Milan gatherings even then. 'At that time, cameras were not so common and were in few numbers, but relationships were strong,' Modi said, drawing a pointed contrast between the technology-abundant present and the relationship-rich past.

Journalists Who Came on Their Own at the 2001 Oath Ceremony

One of the more personal anecdotes the Prime Minister shared involved his oath-taking ceremony in 2001, when he was sworn in as Chief Minister of Gujarat. Several journalist friends, he said, had attended using their own resources — without informing him in advance so that he could arrange for them. When he enquired afterwards, they told him they had come on their own, out of personal warmth. 'It reflected the personal warmth and affection they shared with him,' Modi noted, visibly moved by the memory.

Acknowledging Journalism's Demands: Deadlines and Disaster Coverage

Modi also paid tribute to the professional discipline that defines newsrooms, singling out two aspects in particular. On deadlines, he said: 'Your entire life revolves around deadlines. Whether it is the time to print a newspaper or broadcast a story, everything has a deadline. Without deadlines, everyone, from the desk to the field, would have the same attitude — there is still time, it will get done.'

On field reporters, he was equally emphatic: 'Whether there is an accident, an earthquake or a devastating flood, while the rest of the world is moving away from the affected area, some people go against the tide.' He described this counter-instinct as one of journalism's most remarkable qualities.

Festival Greetings and a Note on Shared Sacrifice

Opening his remarks, Modi extended greetings to journalists and their families for Diwali and the upcoming Chhath Puja. He acknowledged that festivals are ordinarily a time for family, but that journalists routinely forgo that comfort to cover breaking developments. 'You all have come at a time when there is no news being created. I am grateful to you all,' he said.

Drawing a parallel between career evolution in journalism and his own political trajectory, Modi observed that responsibilities shift naturally with position — a reporter becomes an editor, and his own role changed when he came to power. He noted that he has now completed 25 years as a head of government, counting both his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and as Prime Minister.

The event underscored Modi's long-cultivated relationship with the press corps — one that predates his national political rise — and signalled a deliberate effort to sustain that personal connect even from the highest office.