What Do Varanasi Shopkeepers Think About Meeting PM Modi?

Varanasi, Aug 6 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to his Lok Sabha constituency over the weekend, inaugurated an extensive array of development initiatives valued at more than Rs 2,200 crores and also unveiled the 20th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, which will benefit millions of farmers.

Upon his arrival in Varanasi on August 2, PM Modi engaged with numerous shopkeepers from the sacred city, who gathered at the airport and along the streets to extend a warm reception. These individuals have played a vital role in preserving the rich cultural heritage and identity of this ancient city for generations.

Several shopkeepers who had the opportunity to meet PM Modi shared their thoughts with IANS about this memorable encounter.

Vijay Yadav, who owns a tea stall named 'NaMo Tea Stall', expressed, "This was an extraordinary experience for me. Meeting the Prime Minister was always a dream of mine that has now come to fruition. What could be a more significant dream for an ordinary person?"

He continued, "I learned about this meeting just four days prior. We were thrilled to meet the Prime Minister. He first inquired about my name. He is not just the Prime Minister of our nation but also our MP in Kashi."

With joy evident in his eyes, he added, "The Prime Minister asked about my health and showed interest in my business. I told him I run 'NaMo Tea Stall'. After PM Modi's visit in 2014, I decided to rename my stall in his honor."

"We've always heard that Kashi is a place of energy, but after meeting the Prime Minister, it felt like he embodies that energy. This meeting was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life," he stated.

Another shopkeeper, Rajkumar Ahuja, shared, "Words cannot capture that moment. It was an incredible experience, as if Ma Bhagvati had showered her blessings upon us. We consider ourselves fortunate and are immensely grateful."

He continued, "After meeting the Prime Minister, I felt as if I had achieved the pinnacle of success. This was the most remarkable moment of my life."

"I own a sweet shop that has been in operation since 1994, producing a variety of sweets. I am thankful to the Bharatiya Janata Party for enabling small entrepreneurs like myself to have this opportunity to meet our nation's Prime Minister. This is simply an incredible and surreal experience," he remarked.

Another shopkeeper, Saurabh Gupta, mentioned, "PM Modi only said one word: 'good'. We felt honored to be invited. Meeting the PM as a common citizen was a truly unique experience in itself."

He added, "We received a call informing us that we were selected to attend. We submitted our Aadhar card and photo. Given that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the most recognized global leader, this meeting became the most significant moment of my life."