Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 72 on Saturday, and politicians and dignitaries sent him their best wishes. When the BJP launches a “Seva” (service) campaign, his birthday is usually marked by a development initiative. Modi will speak on four projects related to different fields, including releasing cheetahs brought from Namibia in Madhya Pradesh National Park.

President Droupadi Murmu wished him continued progress in nation-building under his unparalleled hard work, dedication and creativity.

Modi’s ministerial colleagues warmly congratulated Modi on his leadership and administrative wisdom and wished him a happy birthday.

Home Minister Amit Shah hailed him as the standard-bearer of Indian culture, who connected the country to its roots and led it forward in various fields.

Shah said that under his visionary leadership, India had become a world power, and he has become a respected global leader. He said Modi’s life was a symbol of service and dedication, describing him as the builder of a safe, strong and “aatmanirbhar” new India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said his leadership had driven progress and good governance in unprecedented ways and raised India’s prestige and self-esteem to new heights.

Singh said he gave Indian politics a new dimension and emphasised the welfare of the poor in the development. Modi grew up as an RSS Pracharak, was elected to the BJP group and later became Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001.

He has since achieved the unique feat of never losing in a state or national election while serving as the party’s spokesman. Before winning the Lok Sabha polls in 2014 and 2019, he led the BJP to three consecutive wins in the Gujarat state assembly polls in 2002, 2007 and 2012.