Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 72 on Saturday and marked his birthday by addressing four events covering fields as diverse as wildlife and the launch of logistics policy, as greetings poured in from leaders and other prominent personalities.
Dignitaries like President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar praised his ''nation-building project and transformative vision'' while many others, including his Cabinet colleagues, hailed his contribution to making a "strong and self-reliant" India.
The ruling BJP launched a 15-day "seva" (service) exercise with its president J P Nadda asserting that serving people to mark the birthday of the party's foremost leader is in keeping with his vision.
He also inaugurated an exhibition on the prime minister's life at the party headquarters here.
It was a busy day for PM Modi who began a hectic schedule by releasing cheetahs brought from Namibia at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, under a landmark project seven decades after the animal was declared extinct in the country.
Stating that the 'Project Cheetah' was his government's endeavour towards environment and wildlife conservation, he also had a go at previous dispensations for making no "constructive efforts" to revive the population of the world's fastest animal in India.
He also addressed women self-help group members at Sheopur in the state in another event.
Here are the highlights of PM Modi's birthday:
Wishing our Hon. Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, a very happy birthday. Wishing you strength, happiness and good health.
- Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 17, 2022
Your dedication for the welfare of our country and its people is highly appreciated. May you have the strength and health to achieve all your goals. Take a day off and enjoy your Birthday, sir. Happy Birthday @narendramodi
- Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) September 17, 2022
On the occasion of world's popular and powerful leader, Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji's Birthday Organised Free #HealthCare_Camp in Ward 60. Also Present Were Corp Yogiraj Dabhadkar & Corp Ranjana Patil & Mandal President Pankaj Bhave. pic.twitter.com/EgM0wfbRyj
- Dr. Bharati Lavekar (@LavekarBharati) September 17, 2022
Hon'ble Chief Minister and TRS President Sri K. Chandrashekar Rao extended birthday greetings to Hon'ble Prime Minister Sri @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/RNUAPArJaO
- TRS Party (@trspartyonline) September 17, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turned 72nd on Saturday, has a packed schedule for the day as various events have been planned - from releasing cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National park to delivering important speeches at four events.
Wishing PM Narendra Modi a happy birthday.
- Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 17, 2022
PM @narendramodi emplanes for Madhya Pradesh, where two major programmes will be held. In a historic occasion, Cheetahs will be released at the Kuno National Park. PM Modi will also attend a programme of Self Help Groups in Sheopur. https://t.co/1RUQjlCQRO pic.twitter.com/ocnMHyEumz
- PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 17, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 72 on Saturday, with politicians and dignitaries extending their best wishes to him. His birthday is often marked with development initiatives while the BJP launches 'seva' (service) activities.
A man of words
- R. S. Pathania (@pathania_rs) September 17, 2022
A leader and a statesman
A man of his style
A man of Mother India
A motivation for millions, inspiration to all. One & only one @narendramodi
Wishing Modi ji a very Happy Birthday pic.twitter.com/hf0sdKHhFm
Russian President Vladimir Putin wished "all the best" to his "dear friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his birthday on Saturday as the two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
SEVA PAKHWADA
- BJP Mahila Morcha (@BJPMahilaMorcha) September 17, 2022
On the occasion of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi's Birthday, BJP Mahila Morcha is organising nationwide Tree Plantation and Swachh Bharat in Anganwadi centres in every Mandal marking the beginning of #AdarshAnganwadi program. pic.twitter.com/aEm7pkLlWb