When young Modi traveled on foot and bike to remote areas to understand tribal issues

NEW DELHI: On the occassion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas , an old photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi surfaced on social media from his early travel days in remote tribal areas.

X account 'Modi Archive' shared snippets from PM's journey through India’s tribal heartlands in a series of tweets, reflecting on what gave him insights into the struggles of tribal communities . "Narendra Modi’s early years were marked by extensive travels on foot, bicycle and motorcycle through remote tribal areas," it said.


Here are some pivotal moments shared by 'Modi Archives' from PM's formative years:

Reflection of poverty and hunger in a child
During one of his visits to a small village, a young Modi was welcomed into the home of a swayamsewak, who lived there with his family. In a gesture of hospitality, the swayamsewak’s wife offered him half a bajra roti and a bowl of milk.

PM Modi, having already had breakfast and noticing their young son’s longing gaze fixed on the milk, chose to forgo it, realising it was likely meant for the child. He quietly drank only water with the roti. The child, left with the milk, drank it eagerly. "In that moment Modi realised the deep reality of poverty and hunger in his country," said the X account.

A powerful speech: Twelve days, fifty books
In the early 1980s, as the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in Ahmedabad prepared for its foundation, a fundraiser was organised, attracting some of the city’s most influential business figures. Modi, among the speakers, delivered an impassioned 90-minute speech about the importance of tribal development, drawing on extensive research from over 50 books he had studied in just 12 days.

"Among the speakers was a young Narendra Modi, who took the stage and delivered a powerful 90-minute speech on the importance of tribal development. Speaking with a passion and conviction that touched every heart in the room, Narendra Modi’s words were so moving that many businessmen offered blank cheques as donations, fully trusting his vision," said Modi Archives.


PM Modi questioned India's poverty despite 38 years of Independence
In a 1985 speech, PM Modi questioned why a resource-rich India was still grappling with poverty, despite 38 years of Independence. His speech delved into the plight of marginalized and tribal communities, challenging the audience to reflect on the true causes of underdevelopment.

“We have a rich manpower resource. We are not behind in natural resources as well. Despite all efforts, the question repeatedly arises in our minds: Why is our country not progressing? Why are we unable to stand with pride before the world? Once, we attributed this condition to the lack of independence, believing that our suffering was due to colonial rule. But now, even with freedom, our challenges persist 38 years later too,” said PM Modi in the speech.


PM Modi referenced Ramayana to counter inequality
In a 2000 speech, PM Modi reflected on social inclusion are grounded in India’s rich cultural heritage. Speaking on social inclusivity, PM Modi had narrated the story of Lord Ram, specifically mentioning Vanar Sena and Mata Shabari.

“Society exists amidst high and low differences and is governed by the values of the untouchables and the touchables. Therefore, there is a specific need not to teach the Ram-Bhakti of Shabri, but the Shabri-Bhakti of Shri Ram," PM Modi had said.