Prime Minister Narendra Modi came back to his home state Gujarat on his 66th birthday, to seek blessings from mother Hiraba. His third visit to the region in a span of one month, Modi's birthday was marked with a series of events, including laying foundation of a £400 million irrigation scheme, and facilitating three world records.
Addressing a crowd in Samajik Adhikarita Shibir at Jamalpur, Navsari, Modi donated Rs 6700,000 received on his birthday for skill development of the differently abled. "Divyangs do not need anyone's sympathy, they only want to be treated equally, they want to lead a life of pride," said Modi. Three Guinness world records were also made; one included 1,000 divyangs on wheelchairs forming a 'Happy Birthday PM', the administration distributing 1,000 hearing aids to the needy, and the lighting of 989 earthen lamps.
Modi also distributed 11,330 assistive kits to the differently-abled during the event, and expressed happiness over being the first Prime Minister to attend such a camp. NaMo also warned that the entire world was watching India with high expectations and the country can no longer afford to hold a casual attitude any more. "Number of times we see things happening in front of us but our response remains very casual. India cannot afford such an attitude. Days of 'hota hai chalta hai dekhlenge' are over, as the world is watching us with great expectations," Modi said.
He also announced his government's decision to develop a uniform sign language and the setting up of special laboratories to propagate the common sign language. "Our government realised that there are many different sign languages in the country. As a result, one divyang sometimes fails to understand the language of other. So, we have set up a lab to develop a common syllabus in line with international standards so that our divyangs do not face difficulty anywhere in the world." Modi said.
Modi was also presented with a 67-foot 67 kilogram garland by BJP workers. Modi assured his government's commitment to empower the tribals while dedicating several irrigation project that will provide drinking water to nearly 2100,000 tribals of 960 villages in tribal-dominated Dahod, Mahisagar, Narmada and Chhotaudepur districts.
