German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Russian President Vladimir Putin are among the prominent world leaders who wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 70th birthday which was celebrated on September 17.
Addressing PM Modi as "Narendra", the German Chancellor said she had "fond memories" of their meeting at the Indo-German intergovernmental consultations last year. "I wish you all the very best in the future - particularly, in these unusual times, health, happiness and fulfilment," she wrote in her message that was shared by PMO on its twitter handle.
"Together over the past few years we have succeeded in consolidating even further the traditionally good relations between Indian and Germany," the German Chancellor said. Merkel also wished PM Modi "success" in his political work.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his birthday wishes, said that he "values the friendly relations" developed with PM Modi and credited the prime minister for moving India along the path of socio-economic, scientific and technical development.
"I value the kind, friendly relations that have developed between us. I look forward to continuing constructive dialogue with you and work closely together on topical issues of the bilateral and international agenda. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you good health, happiness, well-being and every success," read Russian President Putin's message for PM Modi.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed PM Modi as his "friend" and expressed hope to meet him soon. In her birthday wishes to the Prime Minister, Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin said there is much potential to deepen even further the relations between the two countries.
"We have the opportunity now to turn the good spirits and broad array of deliverables from it into action. To this end, Finland supports concrete cooperation between India and the European Union in many sectors, such as sustainable development, including the circular economy, free trade and human rights," Sanna Marin said in a letter to PM Modi.
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has also extended greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 70th birthday and said that the two leaders will continue to work closely together to further strengthen relations between India and Nepal. "Warm greetings to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji on the auspicious occasion of your birthday. I wish you good health and happiness. We will continue working closely together to further strengthen relations between our two countries," Oli tweeted.
Rahul Gandhi greets Modi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wished PM Modi on his birthday. "Wishing PM Narendra Modi ji a happy birthday," tweeted the Congress MP. PM Modi thanked the former Congress chief with a tweet that said, "Thanks for the wishes Rahul Gandhi Ji." Rahul Gandhi had wished PM Modi last year too. "My best wishes to Narendra Modi Ji on his 69th birthday. May he be blessed with good health and happiness always," Gandhi had tweeted, along with a rainbow emoji. In recent months, the Congress leader's almost daily tweets have mostly targeted PM Modi over the coronavirus crisis, the state of the economy and the dispute with China.
The ruling BJP has organised a Seva Saptah from September 14 to 20 to mark the Prime Minister's birthday week. Various social activities like cleanliness drives and distribution of sanitary pads, wheel-chairs and hearing aids are being conducted by the BJP across the nation.
A 70-kg laddu has been prepared to celebrate the occasion. "We are celebrating Prime Minister Narendra Modi''s 70th birthday with Seva Saptah (service week) as he himself believes in serving people. We also got 70 kg of laddu to make this cake," a BJP worker was quoted as saying. In Vadodara in PM Modi's home state Gujarat, the party has offered life insurance to over 20,000 people under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
Film stars, other celebrities greet Modi
Virat Kohli, Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Kangana Ranaut and Anupam Kher were some of the celebrities who greeted Modi. Kangana Ranaut and Anupam Kher posted videos with birthday messages for PM Modi on Twitter. Shilpa Shetty, Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan and Chetan Bhagat put pictures with the Prime Minister and wished him. Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli wrote on Twitter: "Wishing a very Happy Birthday to our honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji."
Leading Bollywood actors Aamir Khan and Salman Khan wished the Prime Minister on social media. "Wishing you many happy returns of the day...," Aamir Khan wrote while Salman Khan said, "...a very happy birthday and many more to come."
Anil Kapoor in his birthday greetings for PM Modi said, "...In everything he does, he thinks of the best interests of the nation and it's people". Filmmaker Karan Johar said, "It has been my good fortune to discuss love for movies and the impact of our cinema on the global footprint with you...Wishing you health and happiness."
"...Wishing you more strength, happiness, positivity and great health above all. More power to you Sir...' actor and yoga enthusiast Shilpa Shetty wrote on the microblogging site.
Kangana Ranaut, in her message said, many on social media make derogatory remarks against the Prime Minister but "crores of common people who are not on social media love and respect you and are praying for your long life on your birthday."
"Dear Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi Ji best wishes on you birthday. May god give you a long and healthy life so that you the lead the country the way you are doing now". Kher praised PM Modi for reaching out to all sections of the society in India and abroad. He too mentioned about people who criticise the Prime Minister and said, "it is a great learning to see how you handle them with such patience and love...". Kher ended his message for the PM with "God give you all the happiness in the world."
"Happy Birthday to the Honourable Prime Minister! Sir, your dedication to fitness inspires me everyday...," actor Rakulpreet posted on social media. Writer Chetan Bhagat posted a picture with PM Modi and wished the PM "Happy Birthday."
