I'm a task master. I do lots of hard work, extract hard work from others: PM Modi

New Delhi: “I am a task master. I do a lot of hard work and extract hard work from others,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi today while giving a peep into his personality.

When a student from Manipur asked how he could become the Prime Minister, Modi responded “start preparing for 2024” and “till then I have no fear,” remarks apparently aimed at conveying that his government would last for 10 years.

Interacting with students from across the country via video confencing, he said he had never expected to become the Prime Minister as he came from a humble background.

He said he treats politics not as a profession but a medium for service to the nation and he did not feel exhausted or tired as he considers the 125 crore people of the country as his “family members”.

Modi said he faced no major problem with his personal life or work after becoming the the Prime Minister as he had gained much exposure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

However, he said as PM, he has become more conscious of his speeches.

“I was in a state and if I would say some words, there was less tension. But here, the tension as the PM is that it does not cause any harm to the nation. I am conscious of it,” he said.

Asked what type of person he was in real life, Modi quipped he could not decide about himself.

“But I am a taskmaster. I do a lot of hard work and take work from others,” he said. In this context, he recalled his Independence Day speech in which he had said if government officials work for 12 hours, he is ready to put in 13 hours of work.

Modi said he considers politics not as a profession but a service to the nation.

“The people of India are my family. Their happiness is my happiness and their sorrows are my sorrows. I want to keep working more,” he said.

To a question from a student in Manipur as to how to become the Prime Minister, Modi advised him to start preparing for the 2024 elections. “Till then, I have no fear,” he said drawing laughter.

He also said he never dreamt of becoming the PM nor had he ever contested for the class monitor.

However, he said every child in the country has the potential to become the PM if he or she devotes himself to the service of the countrymen and “wins the confidence of the people” and their heart.

PTI