From stars to world leaders, rivals to allies: Tributes pour in for PM Modi’s 76th birthday | India News

PM Modi. Photo credit: ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76 on Thursday, with political leaders across the spectrum, chief ministers, Union ministers, global leaders, diplomatic missions and film personalities extending birthday greetings and highlighting his 25 years in public office.PM Modi, who was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, completes 25 uninterrupted years in public office on October 7. He first took oath as Gujarat chief minister in 2001 and became prime minister in May 2014.The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is marking the occasion through nationwide service programmes and public outreach under its ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, while several states and organisations have announced events to mark the milestone.

Global leaders and embassies greet PM Modi

Several foreign leaders and diplomatic missions also extended birthday greetings. Russian president Vladimir Putin sent a message that, according to the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, described PM Modi as a leader who enjoys “great authority on the global stage”. Putin also thanked PM Modi for the “warm and cordial welcome and hospitality” extended to him and the Russian delegation during their recent visit to New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit.Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni referred to PM Modi as a “friend” and expressed her desire to further strengthen ties between India and Italy.The Israeli prime minister’s official X handle carried birthday greetings from Benjamin Netanyahu, who said, “Your leadership has transformed India into a world power. Together, we have built an unprecedented partnership between our two great democracies.”The US Embassy in India also conveyed greetings on behalf of President Donald Trump.

BJP leaders, chief ministers and ministers extend greetings

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath described PM Modi as the “world’s most popular leader” and the architect of “New India”, while highlighting what he called the prime minister’s commitment to public welfare.“Heartfelt birthday greetings to the world’s most popular leader, the visionary of ‘One India – Excellent India’, the architect of ‘New India’, and our guide, the esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, who is dedicated to the ceaseless national yajna to usher in a new dawn of happiness, prosperity, security, and pride in the lives of 1.45 billion Indians,” Adityanath said. He added: “Your sacred resolve of ‘Nation First’, your steadfast commitment, and your life dedicated to public welfare serve as an inspiration in realizing the goal of ‘Developed India’.”Union minister Sukanta Majumdar said PM Modi’s 25 years in public life should be viewed not only in terms of duration but also in terms of how he had led the country.“I extend my heartiest congratulations to him… It is not merely about the duration, serving for such a long time, but about the way he has steered the nation forward,” Majumdar said.Defence minister Rajnath Singh, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Union minister Chirag Paswan and BJP state president and Union minister of state Pankaj Chaudhary offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple for PM Modi’s long life and good health.West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s September 17 birthday will be observed as ‘Annapurna Divas’ in the state every year.

Opposition leaders send birthday wishes

Leaders from several opposition parties also extended birthday greetings to the Prime Minister. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wished the Prime Minister a long and healthy life.Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav conveyed his greetings, writing, “Birthday greetings to the Prime Minister and best wishes for a healthy, active and meaningful life.”BSP supremo Mayawati also extended her wishes, saying, “Heartiest birthday greetings to respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday and wishes for a healthy life.”Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah joined the greetings on X, writing, “Wishing Hon PM @narendramodi ji a very happy birthday. Wish you good health and a long life.”

Film stars join birthday greetings

Actors and filmmakers from across the Indian film industry also extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Modi. Chiranjeevi, Ricky Kej, Ram Charan, Mahesh Babu, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, Vikrant Massey, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut were among those who shared messages.Chiranjeevi praised PM Modi’s “determination, discipline and unwavering commitment” to serving India, while Mahesh Babu called his spirit an inspiration to Indians. Ram Charan announced his participation in the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, pledging skill development for 1,000 women.Salman Khan wished “Honourable PM Sahab” a happy birthday, addressing him as “Narendra Bhai Modi.” Kangana Ranaut also wished PM Modi good health and a long life, while Shah Rukh Khan sent wishes for “good health, happiness and fulfilment.”

Diya campaign marks PM’s birthday

The BJP is observing PM Modi’s birthday as “Sewa Diwas”, with the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ running from September 17 to October 17. As part of the ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ initiative, coordinated lamp-lighting ceremonies are being held at more than 500 prominent locations across India.BJP president Nitin Nabin has appealed to people to light a diya at home for PM Modi’s long life, good health and continued success. In Delhi, around 1.25 lakh earthen lamps illuminated Kartavya Path on Thursday as chief minister Rekha Gupta joined members of the public in the campaign.The words ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ were formed using multiple clay lamps, which were lit by Gupta, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, NDMC Vice Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal and members of the public.Diyas were also lit at the Red Fort, where BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal and BJP leader Sunil Bansal participated in the programme. The lamp-lighting events formed part of a broader programme of public outreach and service-oriented activities planned during the month-long birthday campaign.

‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ song released

PM Modi also responded to a video depicting moments from his public life and interactions with citizens, set to the song “Ashirwad Ka Diya”. The video features citizens who have benefited from welfare schemes of the modi government, including free housing, healthcare, electricity and cooking gas. It also showcases development projects across infrastructure, agriculture, industry, health and education.“Every blessing strengthens my resolve to serve our beloved Bharat with even greater devotion,” PM Modi said in a post on X. The song has been sung by Sneha Shankar and set to tune by Aman Pant.“We grew up watching Narendra Modi ji’s relentless service to the nation. Today, we dedicate ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ to his 25 years of Sewa. Happy Birthday, Mr Prime Minister. This September 17, we light a diya for you,” Pant posted on X.

PM thanks leaders and citizens

Responding to the birthday greetings, Prime Minister Modi thanked people across the country for their birthday wishes, affection and blessings. In a post on X, Modi said the messages had given him “renewed strength” to serve the people.