Gandhinagar, October 7 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years in public service were commemorated by his colleague and friend, Ambalal Koshthi, who shared nostalgic memories of their early political journey together. Koshthi currently oversees the Gujarat BJP library.
In an interview, Koshthi revealed that he was the one who introduced Modi to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh during their student days. He also assisted Modi in joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Their first encounter occurred during a student protest related to the Gujarat State Transport, where Koshthi was participating in a sit-in. Modi was often seen at the Gujarat State Corporation canteen, and that’s where they met.
“During our student days, Narendra Modi would converse with me. I was impressed by his nationalist ideology and knowledge. I felt he was ready to work with us, so I decided to befriend him and connect him with the party,” Koshthi recounted.
About 25 days after their initial meeting, Modi visited Koshthi’s home for the first time. At that time, Koshthi was the secretary of the Kankaria ward. He initiated Modi’s membership in the Jana Sangh by collecting a membership fee of just 25 paise.
Koshthi noted that during their time in the Jana Sangh, Modi expressed a desire to join the RSS. Koshthi took him to the RSS office, where a senior member known as ‘Wakil Sahab’ discussed the organization with Modi and integrated him into its activities.
Reflecting on their days in the RSS, Koshthi mentioned that they worked closely together for a long time. They managed branches in both Kankaria and Sarangpur Keri Peetha. During this period, they played kabaddi and often traveled on the same bicycle.
“I was the General Secretary of the Kankaria ward, running the branch there and also managing another branch at Sarangpur Keri Peetha. I worked closely with Narendra Bhai at the RSS office, played kabaddi, and traveled together on a single bicycle,” Koshthi shared.
He recalled that in the early days of the RSS, Modi traveled extensively with just a bag of clothes. He would stay wherever arrangements were made and engaged in various tasks, from cleaning to washing his clothes.
Koshthi reflected that at that time, no one anticipated Modi would one day become Prime Minister. “Back then, it was not easy to join the RSS. Narendra Bhai worked very hard as a volunteer, dedicating his life to the nation and the organization,” he said.
He also praised Modi’s remarkable memory and simplicity, noting that he was content with whatever food was available during their travels.
While cycling together, Koshthi observed that the Congress party held a strong base in Gujarat. However, even a slight increase in voter percentage for the Jana Sangh and later the BJP brought joy to the workers.
Koshthi emphasized that Modi established his identity within the organization through relentless effort. “Today, the party takes pride in the hard work Narendra Bhai and the junior leaders put in, which has yielded results for the country and society,” he stated.
As Modi celebrates 25 years of public service, Koshthi described the day as historic. He recalled that Modi took the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001, marking the beginning of his journey in leadership.
With emotion, Koshthi offered blessings to his old friend on this milestone, saying, “I wish Narendra Modi well on this 25th anniversary. I even offer him my age. Today, he shines across the world. Every resolution should be like this.”
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