New Delhi, Sept. 17 -- Leaders across the political spectrum greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday on Thursday, highlighting his 25 years in public office. While President Droupadi Murmu hailed his record on governance, Home Minister Amit Shah invoked Modi's journey from an ordinary BJP volunteer to the nation's highest political office.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan credited Modi with presiding over India's emergence as one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, while Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said his journey from Gujarat chief minister to prime minister had given "a new momentum to India's growth story". Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also wished Modi a long and healthy life. Born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat's Vadnagar, Modi turned 76 on Thursday. He completes 25 uninterrupted years in public office on October 7, having first taken the oath as Gujarat chief minister in 2001 before becoming prime minister in 2014.
In her birthday message, Murmu said Modi had set numerous new benchmarks for good governance during his tenures as chief minister and prime minister and given "unprecedented momentum and a new direction to inclusive development". "Advancing on the path of modern progress while upholding a sense of cultural pride, our fellow citizens are realising the harmonious blend of heritage and development," the president said on X. She prayed for Modi's good health and long life so that he could continue his "mission of public service and nation-building". Radhakrishnan said under Modi's leadership, India was "shining as a bright spot in the world and among the fastest-growing major economies". He cited the country's progress in areas ranging from digital technology and space to healthcare, infrastructure and manufacturing, and said more than 25 crore Indians had come out of extreme poverty.
Radhakrishnan said Modi's references to backward districts as "Aspirational Districts", border villages as "Vibrant and First Villages", and the North-East as "Ashtalakshmi" reflected an approach aimed at transforming geographical marginalisation into empowerment. "Over the past year, as I travelled across the States and Union Territories, I witnessed firsthand how these transformative changes are reaching even the remotest parts of our country," he said. Shah described Modi as a symbol of tireless hard work, sacrifice, and foresight, and said his life was dedicated to national service. "The life of Modi ji, who has made 'karma' his 'sadhana' and national service the aim of his life, is an epic tale of penance, sacrifice and unwavering resolve," he said.
"His journey, filled with service and dedication, is an inspiration for millions of countrymen," Shah said.nReferring to Modi's rise through the BJP and government, Shah said his journey from an ordinary volunteer to chief minister and then prime minister showed that even the most difficult resolutions could be fulfilled when national service was the goal of one's life. "I pray to God that he remains long-lived and healthy, and under his leadership, the country continues to scale new heights of progress and moves forward towards achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047," he said. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said India was forging a new identity on the global stage under Modi's leadership and making progress in development, self-reliance, innovation, digital technology, infrastructure and public welfare. "Your public life, spanning over 25 years, has proven immensely fruitful for the strengthening of democratic values and for the upliftment of the nation's vulnerable and underprivileged sections," Birla said.
Naidu, the TDP chief and a key BJP ally, hailed Modi's journey from Gujarat chief minister to prime minister. "Marking 25 exemplary years of public service, from leading Gujarat as a transformational CM to guiding the nation as a revolutionary PM, you have given a new momentum to India's growth story," he said. "Your vision of 'Seva, Sankalp, and Sushasan' continues to inspire 140 crore citizens across the nation," Naidu said, praying to Lord Venkateswara for Modi's long and healthy life. Kharge extended his best wishes to Modi on his birthday.
"Best wishes to Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji on his birthday. May he be blessed with good health and long life," the Congress president said. Gandhi, too, wished the prime minister on X. "Happy birthday to PM Narendra Modi ji. Wishing you good health and a long life," he said. JD(U) chief and former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar also extended his greetings, wishing Modi a healthy and long life. BJP president Nitin Nabin described Modi as the embodiment of dedication and service to the nation. He said his journey, driven by the resolve of "Nation First", was an inspiring saga of service, good governance, and public welfare.
"Under your guidance, India is scaling new heights of development and self-reliance, steadily advancing on the global stage with a renewed identity and enhanced strength," he said. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde described Modi as the embodiment of India's progress and the aspirations of its people. "Modi embodies the story of India's progress. He resonates in the hearts of every citizen. He stands as a symbol of welfare for the poor. He represents the youthful spirit of this young nation. He is the source of courage amidst every challenge. He is a thunderous force against adversaries. He embodies the soul of 1.4 billion dreams. He is the hallmark of a New India," Shinde said.
Former prime minister and JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda conveyed his wishes to Modi in a letter. "May you be blessed with a long and healthy life. May you continue to lead our nation with dedication and wisdom. May you help our nation realise its enormous potential and further strengthen its exalted place in the world," he said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.