In today’s world, only a few politicians can actually witness their birthday being celebrated across the globe. From ordinary citizens to world leaders, words of admiration and respect have been extended.
Such is the case with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who commands the hearts of Indians worldwide. Born on 17 September 1950 in Vadnagar, Modi marked his 75th birthday, not just with personal celebrations, but through acts of service and respect alongside well-wishers. It is no exaggeration to say that his charisma, vision and policies have left a profound impact both in India and internationally.
Even US President Donald Trump, who has often taken a confrontational stance against India for personal or political reasons, personally called Modi on 16 September, just before his visit to the UK, to wish him a happy birthday and to acknowledge that he is doing a “great job.” This gesture underscores the global influence and reach of PM Modi.
Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have had the privilege of a long-standing connection with Modi. Even before he became widely known in political circles or as a propagator of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, they, especially Publisher-Editor CB Patel, maintained a relationship with him, initially indirectly and later through direct interactions.
In 1976, CB assumed management of Gujarat Samachar in London. From its very first issue, the newspaper protested against Emergency in India imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, fulfilling the duty of a newspaper at a crucial historical moment.
During that period, a grand gathering was organised at London’s Alexandra Palace under the patronage of Ramesh Desai, through the international organisation, Friends of India Society (FISI). Thousands of people attended this landmark event, which was successfully spearheaded by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. Among the notable attendees was Makarand Desai, a prominent Jan Sangh leader and scholar, who travelled to London for the occasion.
During this period, CB frequently travelled to India and Gujarat. Padma Shri Vishnu Pandya was then the editor of Sadhana and CB developed a close acquaintance with him. CB would read the issues of Sadhana and became familiar with Narendrabhai’s writings- stories, poems, reflections on patriotism, social service and thoughts about his mother. Through this, a subtle connection with him was established. In 1977 the dark chapter of Indira Gandhi’s Emergency came to an end in India.
When elections were held in India in 1977, Morarji Desai came to power, as a result of Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement. He especially commended Gujarat Samachar and CB Patel. Why? Because during the Emergency, it was New Life (now Asian Voice) and Gujarat Samachar that raised voice against the oppressive laws, spreading waves of awareness among the Indian diaspora and speaking out against threats to democratic values in India.
At the same time, B.K. Nehru, a relative of Indira Gandhi, was serving as the Indian High Commissioner in London. The Indian government issued a directive banning the publication of Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “India Shall Be Free…” However, rather than complying with the oppressive order of the Indira Gandhi government, CB boldly published the poem on the front page. Following this, the then Indian diplomats managing India House barred CB from entering the premises.
However, soon after, when the Indira Gandhi government fell and the restrictions were lifted, the newly appointed Prime Minister Morarji Desai visited London. He personally invited CB to the official residence of the High Commissioner at 9 Kensington Palace and gave him an exclusive interview. This detailed interview was later extensively published in New Life (now Asian Voice) and Gujarat Samachar.
During this period, Narendrabhai continued his national service journeys as a RSS pracharak and his literary contributions through Sadhana and other publications remained uninterrupted. Over time, many of his writings and books were also collected and preserved in CB’s library.
However, CB’s direct contact with Narendrabhai took place in the early 1980s. In 1981, Ahmedabad hosted the bicentennial celebration of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. CB travelled from London to Ahmedabad at the heartfelt invitation of the revered HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj to attend the event. While addressing the devotees, CB also spoke about his family connections with BAPS, including Shastri Maharaj and Yogi Maharaj.
After the programme concluded, Pramukh Swami Maharaj retired to his chamber. Inside, the saints were active, while outside, devotees waited in line to receive his blessings. When CB went to take his leave, he saw a young Parshad Brahmavihari (today known as Swami Brahmaviharidasji) and Narendra Modi sitting nearby. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was busy conversing with other saints, so CB enquired about Brahmaviharidasji, who had come from Britain for initiation. This led to a conversation with Narendra Modi, marking CB’s first direct meeting with him.
Meanwhile, in 1985, a KIMLOP and BJP government was formed in Gujarat, with Chimanbhai Patel as Chief Minister and Keshubhai Patel as Deputy Chief Minister. To gauge the political climate in Gujarat, CB also travelled to Ahmedabad. Many leaders and journalists were present at the Ahmedabad Circuit House during these political developments. It was during this period that Narendrabhai and CB had their second meeting, which laid the foundation for a close relationship that has only grown stronger over the years.
Chimanbhai Patel and Keshubhai Patel visited London at the invitation of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar and NCGO-UK, with the entire event organised by CB Patel. Subsequently, the political landscape in Gujarat shifted.
In 1990, the BJP came to power with a full majority and Keshubhai Patel became Chief Minister. Due to certain disagreements, Shankersinh Vaghela rebelled, creating political upheaval in the state. At that time, Keshubhai Patel, along with his senior minister Vipul Chaudhary, were visiting the UK and were at the Gujarat Samachar office in London.
This event was unprecedented for the BJP leadership. Just as the party was gaining prominence in Gujarat, it faced a significant political upheaval. Despite his dedicated service during these turbulent times, Narendrabhai was assigned responsibilities outside Gujarat. He was entrusted with overseeing work in Himachal Pradesh, carrying out the party’s directives while based in Delhi.
In Delhi, his workspace was a small room in the Jhandewalan Building. CB along with his friend and senior journalist from Gujarat Bhupatrai Parekh, went to meet Narendrabhai. They were astonished when they saw his office. Narendrabhai’s quarters were roughly eight by twelve feet, with a simple floor mattress for sleeping. The room had only a small table, a chair, a water jug and a lamp, nothing more.
Narendrabhai spoke at length with CB, yet his tone carried no hint of complaint. Adapting to circumstances seems to be an inherent part of his nature. At that time, while most newspapers in Gujarat remained indifferent to him, the bond with Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar and CB stayed steadfast. Upholding the integrity of a newspaper is no small feat, and Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have consistently fulfilled this responsibility, continues to do so, and will carry it forward in the future.
The wheel of time turned. The very state that Narendrabhai had once been compelled to leave due to circumstances was later entrusted to his capable hands. And the history that followed is well known. Through his strong leadership, vision, administrative skills and acumen, Narendrabhai transformed Gujarat into the growth engine of the country. The Vibrant Gujarat Investors Summit propelled the state firmly onto the path of development.
Recalling the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, one particular moment stands out. During a grand ceremony at the Grand Bhagwati, Ahmedabad, dignitaries including Chief Minister Narendrabhai Modi were in attendance. Honouring a special invitation from the Gujarat government, CB was also present. As Chief Minister Modi entered the hall, he greeted guests warmly, moving ahead in a light-hearted manner while exchanging brief pleasantries. On that chilly day, Narendrabhai wore a woollen cap, prompting CB to jokingly remark, “Sir, this cap suits you really well.” Narendrabhai laughed, shared a few words, and moved on.
An endearing event happened the next day. Someone came to meet CB handing him a packet, saying, “This is from ‘Sir’.” The “Sir” was none other than Narendrabhai Modi himself. When CB opened the packet, he found that Narendrabhai had sent him a similar cap as a gift. This shows how Narendrabhai maintains personal connection with his well-wishers, supporters and close associates.
When it comes to newspapers published in India or abroad, Narendrabhai Modi has shared a heartfelt connection with Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar and CB. Take, for instance, the year 1993. When Narendrabhai visited London, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar were the only newspapers he met. In an interview given to Gujarat Samachar’s Managing Editor, Jyotsnaben Shah, he spoke openly and sincerely.
In the past, whenever Narendrabhai visited the UK, CB would hold meetings with prominent British-Gujarati organisations such as the Sardar Patel Memorial Society and NCGO-UK, with Narendrabhai always in attendance. Under such initiatives, Gujarat Samachar organised a grand event in London titled “Gujarat Model of Development”, which Chief Minister Narendrabhai Modi addressed on videolink. The event was attended by 200–300 dignitaries from various fields, including Sir Gulam Noon, the India-loving MP Bob Blackman, Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Lord Navnit Dholakia and many others, representing the pride of the British-Indian community.
When it comes to celebrating the achievements of the British-Indian community or raising voices on pressing issues, Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar and CB Patel have never held back. Narendra Modi himself has publicly acknowledged and praised these efforts. The push to restart direct flights between Ahmedabad and London was initiated by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. CB made a series of presentations on this issue, from the Gujarat government to Delhi. At the time, when the matter was presented to Narendrabhai, then serving as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, he expressed his support, saying, “I back your demand, but as this issue falls under the central government (then under the UPA), there’s nothing I can directly do.”
Once again, the wheel of time turned. The UPA government was replaced, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NDA took charge of the nation. CB accelerated the demand for direct flights. On his first visit to Britain as PM Modi addressed the massive gathering of the British-Indian community at Wembley Stadium and announced the launch of direct flights between Ahmedabad and London. Not only that, while publicly lauding CB as an ambassador of Indian community for his relentless efforts to make this flight a reality, the Prime Minister also added that whenever CB went to Gujarat, he had persistently raised the issue with him. “At that time, our government was not in power at the Centre, so we were constrained, but now we are honouring your efforts and demand by starting the direct flight,” he added.
That moment has now become today’s reality. The Ahmedabad–London–Ahmedabad direct flight is operating continuously. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar take pride and joy in this achievement. The essence of all this is simple: whether it is Narendrabhai or Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, whether it concerns public interest or public welfare, they have never taken a step back.
Over more than five decades of active publication, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have produced numerous memorable editions and few would deny this legacy. What is most remarkable about these publications is that through their books, they have never attempted to distort history or obstruct Gujarat’s development. The commendable efforts of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar have always received encouragement and support from Narendra Modi, which is a matter of pride for the ABPL Group.
Speaking of special publications, one recalls the launch of the book “Gujarat na Krantitirtho”. This remarkable book, written after extensive research by senior journalist, writer, columnist and historian Padma Shri Vishnu Pandya, had its prestigious launch in the presence of Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar and CB. CB specially travelled to Gujarat for the occasion and the ceremony was held at the elegant Cambay Grand Hotel in Thaltej, Ahmedabad. The event was graced by Gujarat’s then Chief Minister Narendra Modi and the respected Morari Bapu, who formally inaugurated the book.
While “Gujarat na Krantiteertho” documented sites that played a decisive role in India’s freedom struggle, the coffee-table book “Love Gujarat” celebrated the state’s journey of development. At a ceremony held in Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Narendra Modi specially lauded this effort. The book was also presented as a gift to distinguished guests visiting from abroad.
Similarly, to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Maharaja Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Vadodara, the book “Life and Legacy” was published, chronicling his life and the history of Vadodara. The inauguration of this book was also graced by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi at a public ceremony in Vadodara.
The strong bond of affection between PM Modi, Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar and CB Patel can be traced to a shared purpose: their unwavering commitment to the welfare of people. At the heart of all three has always been the public interest. From his early days as a grassroot RSS pracharak to reaching the highest office of the country as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has always kept the common citizen at the centre of his thoughts and actions. His ideas and decisions have consistently reflected a spirit of public welfare.
Similarly, Asian Voice, Gujarat Samachar and Editor, CB Patel, have always placed the interests of the British-Indian community at the forefront. They have never hesitated to raise their voice against challenges facing the community. This shared commitment explains why Narendra Modi holds a special place in the hearts of Indians and why Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, under CB’s leadership, occupies a cherished place among the British Indian community.
