Assam : PM Modi visited a tea garden and even took selfies with the women workers
Guwahati: ‘I, too, am a *Chaiwala*; your hard work has reached even my village’ — PM Modi takes a selfie with women at an Assam tea garden
Assam : Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent some memorable moments with women workers at a tea garden in Dibrugarh. Describing himself as a ‘Chaiwala’ (tea seller), Modi praised the women’s hard work and hailed Assam tea as the very soul of the state. During this interaction, he discussed local culture, the Bihu festival, and the future of the families living there. Dibrugarh: Amidst his election campaign tour of Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen in a distinctly different avatar. He surprised everyone by making an impromptu visit to a tea garden in Dibrugarh. The Prime Minister interacted with the women working there with great simplicity and warmth. Recalling his own past, he remarked, “Your hard work has reached even my village. Do you know that I, too, am a *Chaiwala* and used to sell tea during my childhood?” Hearing these words from the Prime Minister, the women at the tea garden were deeply moved and erupted with joy.
The women were overjoyed to find PM Modi in their midst, right there in their tea garden. Pausing their work for a moment, some of the women expressed their desire to take a selfie with the Prime Minister. The PM graciously obliged and posed for photographs with them. In a lighthearted manner, he quipped, “It seems you ladies have now become excellent photographers as well!” This lighthearted demeanor of the Prime Minister won the hearts of everyone present. The entire atmosphere was filled with laughter, happiness, and enthusiasm.
PM Modi shared a five-minute video clip of this interaction on the social media platform ‘X’. He wrote that during his visit to the tea garden in Dibrugarh, he caught a glimpse of the rich culture of the families residing there. He noted that the contribution of the tea garden communities to the progress of Assam is unparalleled. The Prime Minister also praised the women for their rendition of the devotional song, ‘Jagat Janani Maa’ (Mother, Creator of the Universe). He reiterated that tea is the soul of Assam and that the tea produced here has carved a distinct identity for itself across the globe.
What did the PM discuss regarding the future of the children in the tea garden? During the interaction, PM Modi inquired about the women’s families and children. One woman proudly shared that her child had completed their graduation studies. Another woman mentioned that her son was keen on sports and played football at the village ground. Hearing this, PM Modi expressed his delight and extended his best wishes for the children’s bright future. He encouraged the women, emphasizing that it is through hard work alone that one brings about positive change in life.
When PM Modi initiated the conversation, the women, speaking in hushed tones, admitted to feeling nervous. They confessed, “We felt a bit apprehensive upon meeting you.” Responding with a smile, PM Modi helped dispel their fears. He assured them that there was absolutely no need to be nervous. He explained that such nervousness typically lasts only for the first five minutes, after which everything settles down. This display of warmth and approachability put the women at ease, and they began to converse freely.
The Prime Minister also asked the women about Assam’s renowned Bihu festival. He inquired about the special delicacies they prepare during the Bihu celebrations. The women shared details regarding their traditional customs and culinary practices. Additionally, they provided information about their working hours. The women explained that they work for 24 days a month and receive six days off. The Prime Minister highly praised their daily routine and their dedication to their work.
