Amongst monks, Narendra Modi calls himself 'ghar ka ladka'

Kolkata: Expressing his deep affinity with monks of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told them that he was their 'ghar la ladka' (member of the family).

When he went to meet Swami Atmasthananda, president of the order at a Kolkata hospital last evening, he was greeted with a flower bouquet to which PM Modi said he was one amongst the monks and should not be accorded a grand welcome.

"Ghar la ladka agar ghar aaya hai to uska swagat kiya jata hai kya? (If a member of the family visits his house, do you welcome him?)," Swami Subirananda, assistant secretary of the Math quoted the PM as having told them.

Referring to Swami Atmasthananda as his 'Guruji', PM Modi told the monks and authorities of the hospital run by the Mission, "Aap log mere Guruji ki seva kar rahe ho. Unka dhyan rakhna (You all are serving my 'Guruji'. Take care of him)."

Swami Subirananda said PM Modi was recharged and refreshed after the meeting. "He always keeps in touch with the Math authorities. He cherishes and follows the ideals of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda," he said.