Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 71 on Friday as President Ram Nath Kovind and other dignitaries and politicians greeted him with BJP leaders hailing his leadership. “Wishing him a long and healthy life,” President Kovind said may he continue to serve the nation with his spirit of relentless service. Home Minister Amit Shah lauded Modi, saying he not only gave the country the idea to think ahead of time and fulfil its resolve with hardwork but also made it a reality. In Mr. Modi, the country has got a strong and decisive leader who gave a dignified life to those who were deprived of their rights for decades, he said.
“Modi brought them in the mainstream of development, Shah added. The prime minister has shown the world what people-loving leadership is like,” he said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Mr. Modi has written many new chapters in development and good governance in his tenure so far and wished that he fulfil his dream of making India a strong, prosperous and proud country.
Born in Gujarat in 1950, Mr. Modi joined Hindutva organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at an early age and was later drafted into the BJP. Made Gujarat chief minister in 2001, Mr. Modi has never suffered an electoral setback when votes were cast on his leadership, leading the BJP to power in the state for three consecutive terms and then at the Centre back to back in 2014 and 2019 .
The BJP embarked on a mega 20-day public outreach , "Seva and Samarpan", from Friday to mark his 71st birthday and it will continue till October 7 to also commemorate his 20 years in public life, including as Gujarat chief minister. It has asked its workers to facilitate the COVID-19 vaccination drive as it eyes record-breaking numbers on Friday.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday on Friday. "Happy birthday, Modi ji," Mr. Gandhi tweeted.
Telangana Governor, KCR greet PM
Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday on Friday, September 17, 2021.
"Happy Birthday to visionary leader who made self reliant India: Reformative India: Resilient India: Resurgent India: Glorious India:Super strong leader who Made Mother India Proud Globally," the Governor tweeted on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister in a letter to Mr. Modi said, "On behalf of the government and people of Telangana, I wish you a very happy birthday. May god bless you with good health and long life for serving the nation for many more years."
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 71st birthday, and said his efforts towards development of the country have been a source of inspiration.
"Warm Birthday wishes to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji.I pray for his long & healthy life.Your exceptional, tireless efforts towards development of New India have been a source of inspiration for all of us.May the nation continue to progress under your dynamic leadership & vision," Mr. Sinha tweeted.
Kerala CM extends birthday wishes
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 71st birthday and wished him 'good health and happiness'.
"Heartfelt birthday greetings to Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji. Wish you good health and happiness," Mr. Vijayan tweeted.
