New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched the autobiography of Essel Group Chairman Dr Subhash Chandra, titled 'The Z Factor: My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time.
The book was launched at the Prime Minister's official residence - 7, Race Course Road - at an event attended by the who's who of Indian politics and media industry.
Unveiling the book, PM Modi said it requires courage to write an autobiography this early in life.
“To write a biography requires courage. To write it this early requires greater courage. If you miss out on some names, people will come and ask why didn't you mention me,” PM Modi said.
Lauding the Essel Group Chairman, the PM said, “It is in Subhash ji's nature to take risks and that is why he is where he is.”
“I have never seen Subhash ji tensed... he is always smiling. It's a difficult thing to do,” PM Modi told the gathering.
PM Modi recalled that before meeting Dr Subhash Chandra, he had met his father.
“Subhash ji's father was associated with Agrasen Medical College and other institutions. I used to meet him often,” the PM said, and added that this helped develop the relationship he shares with with Subhash ji.
PM Modi hailed Dr Subhash Chandra for being involved in social work.
“Not many know but he (Dr Subhash Chandra) is also involved in social work. Subhash ji runs Ekal Vidyalaya - one teacher, one school. (A total of) 52,000 Ekal Vidyalayas are run by Subhash ji across the country. He takes interest in running these,” the PM noted, and added that it was probably in his father's DNA to do social work.
PM Modi also recalled an incident from the Indo-Pak Agra Summit of 2001, saying he had a heated discussion with Subhash ji over telephone post the Summit.
“(The then Pakistan President Pervez) Musharraf had come to Agra for the Summit. I was sitting in a Zee TV studio for a discussion programme post the Summit. A Zee reporter from Agra said something which was troubling. He (reporter) said India had spoiled the talks.”
“I was then forced to ask: am I sitting in Zee TV studio or Pakistan TV studio? People there tried to brush the incident under the carpet but I did not let that happen. I then called Subhash ji and complained to him and asked where do you plan to take the nation?”
“He (Subhash ji) remain composed during the telephonic talk and post that and looked into the incident,” the PM said.
PM Modi lauded Dr Chandra for adapting himself as per changing times.
“He forayed into many fields and proved himself upto the mark,” he told the audience.
“I always tell students to read biographies. Biographies bring you closer to history; you journey with the history,” PM Modi said in his concluding remarks.
