Shinde marks Modi's birthday, opens speech in Gujarati, likens his work to the Himalayas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76 today, and the occasion is being marked across the country with various events. It began in Vadnagar, his ancestral village in Gujarat, where the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan was launched. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were present at the event. The month-long campaign marks 25 years of Modi's public life.

Shinde began his speech in Gujarati. He said, "Vadnagarni dharatina sapoot, desh ane duniyana ladla bani gaya chhe," meaning this son of Vadnagar's soil has become the darling of the country and the world today. Shinde said he felt proud to be on the sacred soil of Vadnagar, and conveyed birthday greetings to Modi on behalf of Maharashtra's 12.5 crore people and the Shiv Sena.

Shinde said that instead of counting Modi's age, the height of his achievements should be measured. He said, "Modiji's achievements are measured against the height of the Himalayas, and his work for the people runs as deep as the Arabian Sea." Referring to Modi's journey from Vadnagar's soil to platforms across the country and abroad, Shinde also mentioned the "Vadnagar to Varanasi" seva yatra, which he said marks a journey towards service, resolve and development.

Shinde also said Amit Shah had referred to Modi completing 25 years in public life at an NDA meeting. He said that from chief minister to prime minister, positions and responsibilities changed, but the commitment to service remained the same. A "Seva Sankalp" bike yatra from Vadnagar to Varanasi has also been launched, linked to Modi's 25 years in public life.

In his speech, Shinde referred to various central government schemes and the country's changing economy. Citing schemes for gas connections, housing, bank accounts and tap water, he raised the issue of public welfare. He also spoke of the country's progress, citing Make in India, Startup India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, and referred to Article 370, national security and the resolve for a developed India.

The Vadnagar event highlighted both Modi's birthday and his 25-year journey in public life. The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is being run through various public service programmes across the country.