PM celebrates birthday with mother, tribals, specially- challenged

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his 66th birthday today with his mother Hiraba as also the tribals and specially-challenged people while receiving greetings from President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice- President Hamid Ansari, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and a host of other national and foreign leaders.

Modi, who was born on this day in 1950 in Vadnagar area of Gujarat, began his day by meeting his 97-year-old mother in Raysan area of Gandhinagar and seeking her blessings. His mother lives with his brother Pankaj Modi. The Prime Minister drove to his mother's place in a single car without any escort or any official, PMO sources said. He spent around 25 minutes with her before returning to Raj Bhavan where he is staying. Later, he attended two programmes and interacted with tribals and specially-challenged people.

Through the day, Modi received birthday greetings from the President, the Vice President, his ministerial colleagues, other political leaders from various hues, film personalities and sports personalities also wished him on the occasion. "My warm greetings and good wishes to PM @narendramodi on his 67th birthday," tweeted Mukherjee who also called him up to convey his wishes.

"Let this day be the beginning of a year of greater achievements in life of PM @narendramodi and our nation," he said in another tweet. "May the Almighty bless PM @narendramodi with good health, happiness & many more years of dedicated service to the nation," Mukherjee added. In response, the PM tweeted: "I thank Honourable Rashtrapati ji for his kind birthday greetings."

Ansari, who is on a visit to Venezuela, also wished Modi. In his reply, the PM tweeted, "My gratitude to Vice President Shri Hamid Ansari for his wishes." Rahul also tweeted: "Best wishes to the Prime Minister Narendra Modiji on his birthday." Modi responded: "Thank you very much Rahul Ji."

Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who is on an India visit, also wished him over phone. Chief Justice of India T S Thakur personally met Modi at Raj Bhavan to greet him, official sources said. Modi thanked the CJI for his wishes. "Met CJI Shri Thakur. I thank him for his kind wishes," he tweeted.

Extending his greetings, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani tweeted: "Happy birthday @narendramodi! Warmest and heartfelt wishes from a proud friend and a grateful nation." Responding to this, Modi tweeted: "Thank you. Humbled by the kind words."

Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, in his twitter message said, "I wish a long and healthy life to @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi ji on his 66th birthday." Modi replied: "Thank you, Virbhadra Singh Ji."

BJP veteran L K Advani also greeted Modi. "Received the blessings and birthday greetings of Advani ji during our telephone conversation. My gratitude to him," Modi tweeted. Apple CEO Tim Cook was also among those who greeted Modi. "A very happy birthday to @narendramodi. Vasudhaiva kutumbakam - the world is one family." The Prime Minister replied: "Fully agree with you! And thank you so much for your good wishes."

Indian cricket star Virendra Sehwag, while greeting Modi, tweeted, "Happy Birthday @narendramodi ji. 66 not out Mubarak. Please score a century in ur life&also make this India's century." He also posted a greeting card which read: "Wish you a very happy birthday. Your humility, time management, oratory skills, detailing & enthusiasm defies age and is inspiring.

"May you get support from your colleagues and countrymen in making India a superpower and help us fly high. "Have a great birthday and a wonderful life ahead. Stay healthy and in grace." Modi responded: "Sehwag Ji, you are very kind. Together we have to make this India’s century & take India to new heights."

Union Health Minister J P Nadda greeted the Prime Minister on his birthday and said it was an occasion "to dedicate ourselves for social causes with determination". "Prime Minister's birthday is being observed as Sewa Diwas (Day of Service) by organising various social service works. It is an occasion to get inspiration and re-dedicate ourselves with determination towards social causes," he told reporters in Bhopal after inaugurating a blood donation camp at the Madhya Pradesh BJP headquarters.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also wished the Prime Minister. The Chief Minister on the occasion visited Mahatma Gandhi Leprosy Ashram and appealed to citizens to serve the needy.

Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje also greeted the Prime Minister on his birthday. "May the country progress in your leadership," the Governor said in his message.

Chief Minister Raje congratulated the Prime Minister through 'Narendra Modi Mobile App'. While greeting Modi, she appreciated 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' programme and said that the state government will ensure successful implementation of the programme in the state.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das greeted the Prime Minister, saying "the country will continue to march on the path of progress" under Modi's leadership. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also extended the greetings to Modi and celebrated the day with patients, orphans and destitutes in the state.