PM Modi breaks new ground; launches Op-Ed section on his App

Users of the Narendra Modi App recently received a comprehensive update on their smartphones.

A prominent feature of this update is the addition of the "Reflections" section on the App. This will feature opinion pieces and writings by top policy-makers and distinguished analysts.

Prime Minister Modi, who has one of the world's largest cumulative followings on social media, is already a significant influencer on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

According to Union Minister Piyush Goyal, "Reflections" on the Narendra Modi App is a bold attempt to extend this influence to the longer form of Op-Eds and editorial writings. In doing so, it is also expected to drive the ideation effort towards a new India.

The Narendra Modi App has seen 80 lakh downloads till date on the Android, iOS and Windows platforms.

The early contributors to the "Reflections" section on this App include Union Ministers, parliamentarians and sectoral experts.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha speaks of India's development model in an article titled "It's India's Turn Now." Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda talks about "Putting PM's Vision into Action" as he outlines governance priorities in the health sector.

Talking about "India's Cash Deliverance," Infosys co-founder and Aadhaar architect Nandan Nilekani says that the financial sector in India is currently experiencing a golden age and its biggest driver is the effort to move toward a less-cash economy.

Samir Saran, vice-president of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), describes efforts towards "Building a New Delhi Consensus," as "India has just over 15 years to discover some key aspects of its own national identity as it makes its journey to the 10 trillion GDP mark." He goes on to add that "Renewed attention towards India's development partnership programme, its leadership role on matters of global governance (such as climate and internet regimes) and the government's "Neighbourhood First" policy emphasise the desire to cultivate a New Delhi Consensus."

The initial response to "Reflections" has been encouraging, with over 5,700 shares and over 8,000 "likes" being recorded in the first ten days since the launch of the section.