Educating girls is my priority: PM Narendra Modi
PM turns teacher, says he is a taskmaster
By : nitin mahajan
Update: 2014-09-06 02:15 GMT
New Delhi:The move to telecast Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech live might have sparked a major debate, but on Friday, with his familiar style and oratory, the Prime Minister struck a chord with students across India.
In his direct connect with students, something the nations has seen for the first time, the PM made it clear that the education of girls remained his top priority. Yet again he stressed on the importance of ensuring toilets in girls’ schools to stem the dropout rate.
But it was the 100-minute question and answer session with students that saw the Modi magic working. In a relaxed atmosphere, the students wanted to know “How does it feel to be PM from CM?” and urged him to recall anecdotes from his childhood “sharartein (mischief)”.
A student from Imphal wanted to know how to become Prime Minister. “Start preparing for 2024 elections and the day you become Prime Minister, do invite me for the swearing-in,” Mr Modi said as the auditorium at Manekshaw Centre broke into laughter and thunderous applause.
On being asked what he would gain by interacting with the students, the PM promptly responded, “A lot of things we do are not for any gain. Work done without seeking any gain gives you the most joy.
But I thank the media. The only gain has been that the nation has been able to see the photos of the children, and not politicians, on Teachers’ Day.” The Prime Minister also gave a glimpse into his own personality by saying he was a “taskmaster” who works hard himself and makes others also work hard.