Modi Turns Media Critic: Urges Focus on Success Stories, Showcase India's Achievements

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday donned the role of media advisor and critic and urged them to “work on success stories” and showcase the work that was being done.

Addressing a Diwali Milan for journalists at the BJP headquarters here, Modi said he has had a long relationship with the media, right from the days he used to arrange chairs at such events.

He said, "I have interacted with the media and seen it evolve from days of press releases to Instagram reels." The prime minister said nothing is considered impossible in the world of news, and field reporters reach everywhere, even in times of crisis and disasters.

He also requested the media to spread awareness about the fight against drug abuse. "I request Indian media to work on success stories of the country... a lot of such work is already being done," the prime minister said.

He later highlighted his government's achievements in different sectors and asserted that India will definitely become a developed country.

Modi said the goal of a Viksit Bharat is entirely within reach, given the achievements India has made in recent years. He emphasised that 2047, the centenary of India's Independence, should not be seen as a deadline until which the country must wait, but as a goal towards which continuous progress must be made.

"Given the achievements with which India is moving forward today, the goal of a Viksit Bharat is entirely within reach," PM Modi said.

Citing India's technological and infrastructural progress, he said the country has achieved milestones that were once difficult to imagine.

"Who would have imagined that India would make history by landing near the Moon's south pole; it would become the world's second-largest mobile manufacturer? During these same 12 years, India has built the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. Today, our UPI has become the largest real-time payment system globally," he said.

"If we can achieve all this, then the dream of a Viksit Bharat can certainly be realised. Who would have thought that the world's highest railway arch bridge would be built over the Chenab River?" he added.

Referring to the infrastructure development witnessed over the past 12 years, PM Modi recalled how even the construction of a four-lane road was once considered a major achievement.

"Friends, remember that 12 years ago, even building a four-lane road was considered a major achievement. I remember that during my first one or two years as Chief Minister, whenever I visited a village, the requests I received in memorandums were often along these lines: 'Sir, during the drought, when work is undertaken, please ensure that at least a road is built in our village'," he said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the changing approach towards poverty alleviation, saying that while earlier governments repeatedly promised to eradicate poverty, the country was now witnessing people overcoming poverty and a reduction in poverty levels

"There was a time when every leader spoke about eradicating poverty from the Red Fort. It was almost like a constant mantra for them. Promises to eliminate poverty were made in every election. But today, the poor are actually overcoming poverty themselves, and we are witnessing poverty being reduced," he added.

Modii said, “Friends, I would like to make one more point. The 2047 deadline does not mean that we have to wait until then. Think about India's freedom movement. The goal of complete independence was not something that could be achieved in a day or two. But gradually, smaller goals were set and achieved, which built people's confidence that independence would certainly be attained. Eventually, the entire country stood united with that resolve. It is this confidence among the people that will take us towards the goal of a developed India," he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gowri V

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A Journey of Three Decades Time passes faster than we realise. What feels like a journey that began only yesterday has today grown into more than three decades of a meaningful and fulfilling life devoted to education, journalism, and the empowerment of young minds. My professional journey began with journalism training in New Delhi in 1979. I went on to work as an independent journalist, drawing on my fluency in both English and Telugu. Over the years, I have edited and worked on Telugu articles in both languages, an experience that strengthened my command of language and sharpened my understanding of society, people, and contemporary issues. Yet, my principal profession and enduring passion have always been teaching. My decision to become a teacher was not merely a career choice—it was a calling. Teaching offered me the rare privilege of inspiring young minds, guiding them through their formative years, and making a lasting difference in their lives. I found immense satisfaction in simplifying complex concepts, nurturing curiosity, encouraging independent thought, and building confidence among students. Every moment in the classroom—every question, every moment of discovery, and every spark of understanding—reminded me why I had chosen this path: to empower young people through knowledge, values, and essential life skills. My teaching career began at the grassroots level as a Montessori teacher and gradually progressed to the position of Vice Principal. I had the opportunity to work in reputed educational institutions, including Dilsukhnagar Public School in Hyderabad, where I shouldered both teaching and administrative responsibilities. Although I have always considered myself, at heart, a teacher, my administrative experience enabled me to understand and contribute to the education system from a much broader perspective. For my students, I have always tried to be an approachable and dependable presence—someone they could turn to not only for academic support, but also for guidance and emotional encouragement. At the same time, I developed a reputation as a firm disciplinarian who believed that integrity, fairness, responsibility, and discipline were fundamental to education. I was also consistently appreciated for maintaining clear communication with parents and staff and for ensuring that examinations and other academic processes were conducted with transparency, fairness, and efficiency. As my career progressed, however, I began to feel that academic education alone was not enough. This realization led me to work more closely with students following the SSC and CBSE curricula, while consciously bringing life-skills education into my teaching. I came to understand that education becomes truly meaningful when it prepares children not merely to pass examinations, but to face life. Teaching emotional resilience, self-reliance, social awareness, communication, decision-making, and other practical life skills often had a deeper and more lasting impact than academic achievement alone. I saw how these skills could help students navigate challenges with greater confidence, maturity, and responsibility. My academic background provided a strong foundation for this approach. My degree in Psychology from the University of Madras helped me develop a deeper understanding of young people's minds, their emotional needs, and the influence of their family and social environments. My M.A. in Telugu with First Class from Osmania University.

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