NEW DELHI: On September 17, as the nation celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday, the occasion resonated deeply with the vision of Amrit Kaal — the 25-year journey towards India’s centenary of Independence that commenced during the nation’s 75th year of freedom in 2022. Having steered the country through the foundational years of this transformative era, the Prime Minister’s birthday marked a collective national resolve to build a Viksit Bharat or developed India by 2047.
The Prime Minister’s birthday was commemorated across India and around the globe with a mix of developmental initiatives, nationwide public service drives, and high-profile diplomatic greetings.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) marked PM Modi’s birthday not merely as a festive occasion, but as the launch-pad for ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ (Service Fortnight), a 15-day nationwide public welfare campaign running from September 17 to Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.
Across all states and Union territories, party workers and citizens participated in thousands of mega blood donation camps, free health check-up clinics, and cleanliness drives under the Swachhata Hi Seva initiative.
Special environmental drives, such as Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (planting trees in honour of mothers), saw millions of saplings planted. Exhibitions highlighting PM Modi’s life journey, vision for Viksit Bharat, and major public welfare schemes were inaugurated at party offices nationwide, alongside the distribution of assistive equipment to divyangjan or differently-abled citizens.
Warm wishes from world leaders
Global statesmen extended greetings, emphasising PM Modi’s rising influence on the international stage:
President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin: “It is difficult to overestimate your personal contribution to the strengthening of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between our countries. I sincerely wish you good health, happiness, prosperity, and success in your state activities.”
President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron: Extended warm greetings highlighting the deep trust and strategic roadmap shared between India and France, wishing the Prime Minister continued energy in steering the nation.
Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni: Shared greetings praising PM Modi’s strong leadership and commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across key economic and security sectors.
Leaders from neighboring nations, including the Prime Ministers of Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, also sent message of friendship and mutual prosperity.
Greetings across the political spectrum
Political leaders in India put aside party lines to send good wishes:
President of India, Droupadi Murmu: “Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji on his birthday. I pray to God that you continue to lead the nation with energy and dedicate your life to the service of the motherland.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah: Commended PM Modi as the architect of modern India’s resurgence, noting that his devotion to national security, welfare, and self-reliance inspires millions.
Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi: Extended greetings via social media, stating, “Wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji a happy birthday and good health.”
Tributes from cultural and global icons
Celebrities and public figures from various walks of life echoed warm wishes:
Film industry: Cinema legends including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Rajinikanth praised his untiring work ethic and visionary leadership.
Sports stars: Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, and star batter Virat Kohli congratulated the Prime Minister, thanking him for his constant encouragement of Indian sports.
Global tech leaders: Business leaders like Elon Musk and global adventurers like Bear Grylls shared nostalgic birthday posts remembering their interactions with PM Modi.
Unforgettable birthday on Sabarmati
While September 17 is usually marked by quiet personal traditions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 64th birthday in 2014 stands out as a unique historic milestone blending personal heritage with global diplomacy.
Having taken office as Prime Minister just months earlier in May 2014, PM Modi hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping on his home turf in Gujarat on September 17. Breaking away from rigid protocol, PM Modi welcomed the Chinese leader in Ahmedabad. The two leaders sat together on traditional Gujarati swings (jhulas) along the newly restored Sabarmati Riverfront, discussing international trade, culture, and bilateral relations against a scenic evening backdrop.
Earlier that morning, true to a deeply cherished personal tradition, PM Modi visited his late mother, Heeraben Modi, at her residence in Gandhinagar. He sought her blessings, received a simple homemade sweet (laddoo and jaggery), and was gifted a small monetary token—a quiet ritual he observed religiously every year until her passing.
September 17, 2014, perfectly encapsulated Narendra Modi’s dual journey: rooted deeply in personal devotion to family and motherland, yet boldly redefining modern international diplomacy.
- India is moving forward at a new pace. What once took decades is now happening in just a few years.
- I am confident that 140 crore Indians together will make our country Viksit and Aatmanirbhar.
- Indians are leading some of the world’s top companies today.
- So why can’t companies built by Indians lead the world too?
- It is all possible.
- “From chips to ships, India is now writing a new chapter in manufacturing.”
- BRICS countries are emerging as important centres of global innovation and solutions.
- “Make in India Innovate with India Scale for the World”
- Amid global uncertainties, India today offers a source of confidence for growth and stability.
- Global trade can move forward only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open and seafarers are safe.
- That is why India is a steadfast advocate of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers.
- Let us turn BRICS’ ambition into action and our collective strength into solutions for the world.
