PM Modi turns 76, marks journey from Vadnagar to Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his 76th birthday on September 17, 2026. Born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi's political career is counted among the most talked-about chapters in the country's politics.

This birthday also marks another milestone in Modi's public life. In 2001, he began his journey in a constitutional post by becoming Chief Minister of Gujarat. He then became Prime Minister of the country in 2014, and after the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, reached the post of Prime Minister for a third consecutive term.

Modi was born in Vadnagar in Gujarat's Mehsana district. According to the official biography of the Prime Minister's Office, his childhood passed in ordinary circumstances and his family's financial situation was modest. Along with helping with housework as a child, his interest in further studies and socio-political activities grew. In later years, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and worked in the organisation for a long time.

In October 2001, Modi took charge as Chief Minister of Gujarat and built a strong hold in state politics. During his years as Chief Minister, his influence spread beyond Gujarat, and during this period he became one of the top national leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The 2014 Lok Sabha election proved to be a major turning point in Modi's political life. The BJP won a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, and on May 26, 2014, Narendra Modi took oath as Prime Minister of India for the first time. In the 2019 election, the BJP again won a majority and Modi became Prime Minister for a second time. After the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Modi took oath as Prime Minister for a third time on June 9, 2024.

On the occasion of his birthday, the BJP is holding several service and outreach programmes across the country. This time, under the "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan", various programmes have been announced from September 17 to October 17, including service activities, programmes for youth, outreach campaigns and social initiatives. Several events have also been planned in Gujarat around the birthday, including distributing thousands of saplings and lighting a large number of lamps.

Both Vadnagar and Varanasi hold a special place in Modi's political journey. Vadnagar is his birthplace, while Varanasi has been his Lok Sabha constituency. This time, programmes connecting the two cities are also being held on his birthday. This journey has not been just a political one, but has also been part of the changes that have come in Indian politics over the past two and a half decades.

Modi governments have taken several major decisions related to digital payments, infrastructure, welfare schemes, foreign policy, defence, the economy and administration. Supporters view these steps as linked to change and development in the country, while opposition parties and critics have also raised questions about these policies, the manner of their implementation and their socio-economic impact. This is why there are differing opinions in the country regarding Modi's tenure and his political legacy.

At the age of 76, Modi is currently in his third consecutive term as Prime Minister. This journey, from his birth in Vadnagar to becoming Chief Minister of Gujarat and then Prime Minister of the country, has been deeply linked to Indian politics of the past 25 years. Today, September 17, 2026, his 76th birthday marks another important milestone in this long political journey.