On September 17, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks his 74th birthday, a day that reflects both his personal milestones and his unwavering commitment to public service. While the day is treated as a regular working day for the Prime Minister, it aligns with the BJP’s ‘Seva Parv’, a two-week celebration highlighting his dedication to the nation’s welfare.
Born on September 17, 1950, in Mehsana, Gujarat, PM Modi’s journey from serving as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for three terms (2001-2014) to his current role as India’s Prime Minister is an inspirational narrative of leadership and governance.
A Tradition of Service: Seva Pakhwara
The BJP will once again launch its annual ‘Seva Pakhwara’ (Service Fortnight) on PM Modi’s birthday, emphasizing his contributions to nation-building. The event will see a range of public welfare activities across the country, from blood donation drives to cleanliness campaigns.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Recent Birthday Celebrations:
- 2023: PM Modi launched the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, an initiative to empower artisans, and inaugurated two major projects—the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC) and the Delhi Airport Express line extension. Celebrations in his constituency featured a 73-kg laddoo cake and a religious ceremony at the Hanuman temple.
- 2022: PM Modi reintroduced cheetahs to India with the release of eight cheetahs from Namibia at Kuno National Park. This was part of the Cheetah Reintroduction Project, aimed at wildlife conservation.
- 2021: The Prime Minister’s 71st birthday saw a historic Covid vaccination drive, with India administering 2.26 crore doses in a single day, setting a global record for vaccinations.
- 2020: Due to the pandemic, traditional celebrations were replaced with the ‘Sewa Saptah’ (Week of Service). The BJP organized camps and initiatives such as ration distribution and blood donation drives.
- 2019: PM Modi celebrated his birthday in Kevadiya, Gujarat, during the Namami Narmada Festival, marking the filling of the Narmada Dam to its full capacity. He also addressed a public gathering near the Statue of Unity.
How India is Celebrating PM Modi’s 74th Birthday in 2024
Celebrations this year continue to mirror the spirit of service. Volunteers and party workers will carry out cleanliness drives in public spaces like hospitals and schools. Notable gestures include the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, which will serve 4,000 kg of vegetarian langar, and in Surat, Gujarat, businesses are offering discounts ranging from 10% to 100% on a variety of services, from hospitality to transportation, in honor of PM Modi’s special day.
As PM Modi turns 74, his birthday is not just a personal milestone but a testament to his ongoing mission to transform India. Through his dedication and leadership, he continues to inspire millions across the nation.