Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed on cleanliness as an essential element of preventive health care. Addressing media persons in New Delhi at a Diwali get together function today, he said media gave unprecedented coverage to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and created an atmosphere to achieve the aim of cleanliness.

In his first informal interaction with the media, the Prime Minister recalled his long association with journalists and appreciated the media for giving not only information but also a new vision. Mr Modi said he is looking for a way to deepen and broaden his relationship with the media. He added that writing about the clean India drive is a service to the nation.

Party President Amit Shah, Cabinet Ministers and senior party leaders, attended the function. The function comes just a day ahead of the Prime Minister's tea party for NDA allies.