Benjamin Franklin's life inspired me, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he was inspired by the life of Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the U.S., and urged the nation to read his biography.

"When I was young, I used to see Kennedy's pictures in Indian newspapers. His personality was very impressive. But your question is, who has inspired me. I liked reading as a child. And I got an opportunity to read the biography of Benjamin Franklin," said Prime Minister Modi in the joint 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address with President Obama.

"And I tell everyone, we should read Benjamin Franklin's biography. Even today, it inspires me. And Benjamin Franklin had a multi-dimensional personality. He was a politician, he was a political scientist, he was a social worker, he was a diplomat. And he came from an ordinary family. He could not even complete his education. But till today, his thoughts have an impact on American life," he added.

"And I tell you too, if you read his biography, you will find ways to transform your life too. And he has talked about simple things. So I feel you will be inspired as much as I have been," Prime Minister Modi said.

The joint address by Prime Minister Modi and President Obama is the first such programme to be broadcast on radio.

It was broadcast hours after President Obama concluded his three-day visit to India, where he attended the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest and took part in business summits.