PM Modi hands over social media accounts to seven women
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday signed off from all his social media handles to allow seven women achievers to take over. The women achievers will "share their life journeys" through Modi's social media throughout the day on the occasion of International Women's Day. Earlier on Monday, Modi had made the announcement that he was "thinking of giving up my social media accounts."
Quote
'As I'd said a few days ago, I'm signing off'
Modi tweeted Sunday, "Greetings on International Women's Day! We salute the spirit and accomplishments of our Nari Shakti. As I'd said a few days ago, I'm signing off." He added, "Through the day, seven women achievers will share their life journeys and perhaps interact with you through my social media accounts." Modi said the struggles and aspirations of women achievers across India motivate millions.
Women achievers
Who are the women achievers taking over Modi's social media?
Thus far, three women achievers have logged into Modi's social media accounts: Food Bank India founder Sneha Mohandoss, bomb blast survivor and activist Dr. Malvika Iyer, and Incredible Kashmir Crafts owner Arifa. Mohandas' NGO aims to combat world hunger. Dr. Iyer—who lost both hands in a bomb blast at age 13—called for destigmatizing disability. Arifa talked about her work in reviving the Namda handicrafts.
Twitter Post
You can view Mohandoss' story here
You heard of food for thought. Now, it is time for action and a better future for our poor.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2020
Hello, I am @snehamohandoss. Inspired by my mother, who instilled the habit of feeding the homeless, I started this initiative called Foodbank India. #SheInspiresUs pic.twitter.com/yHBb3ZaI8n
Twitter Post
Dr. Iyer's story here:
Acceptance is the greatest reward we can give to ourselves. We can’t control our lives but we surely can control our attitude towards life. At the end of the day, it is how we survive our challenges that matters most.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2020
Know more about me and my work- @MalvikaIyer #SheInspiresUs pic.twitter.com/T3RrBea7T9
Twitter Post
And Arifa's story here:
I always dreamt of reviving the traditional crafts of Kashmir because this is a means to empower local women.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2020
I saw the condition of women artisans and so I began working to revise Namda craft.
I am Arifa from Kashmir and here is my life journey. #SheInspiresUs pic.twitter.com/hT7p7p5mhg
Information
Modi among most followed personalities on social media
Modi is one of the most followed persons across social media handles: he has 53.4 million followers on Twitter, 44 million on Facebook, 35.5 million on Instagram, and 4.54 million subscribers on YouTube.
History
On Monday, Modi announced decision to give away social media
On Monday evening, Modi had simply announced that he would give away his social media handles, without citing a reason. It was only on Tuesday afternoon that he offered a clarification, saying, "This Women's Day, I will give away my social media accounts to women whose life & work inspire us." He added, "This will help them ignite motivation in millions."