By Martin Shwenk Leade
Copyright indiatimes
PTINarendra Modi
Narendra Modi birthday: As PM Modi marked his 75th birthday on September 17, wishes poured in from across India. Politicians, sportspersons, actors and business leaders recounted personal anecdotes, many reflecting on moments of humility, attentiveness and leadership style that have defined their interactions with him over the decades.A report by the Times of India captured how the accounts shared on the PM’s birthday revealed a recurring theme: a leader often defined not only by policy and politics, but by small, personal interactions. Whether choosing simplicity over comfort, sharing meals without ceremony, noticing the needs of others, or recognising an actor in make-up in a crowd, these recollections sketch an image of Modi through the eyes of those who met him.Union Home Minister Amit Shah revisited an early journey to Rajkot with Modi, where he learnt what he now calls a lasting principle: workers come before leaders. “That episode, when Modi ji imparted the sensitive lesson that in an organisation, one should prioritise the workers before oneself, has become an integral part of my life,” Shah said. For him, trust and dedication were the enduring values drawn from that encounter.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis went further back to his early days as a young mayor in Nagpur. As the host of a party workshop, he expected Modi to choose a guest house like other leaders. Instead, Modi, Fadnavis says, opted for a small room meant for grassroots workers at Reshimbagh.For Fadnavis, that choice was not only surprising but formative. “It showed me his humility and his strong connection with the Sangh tradition. That image of Narendra Modi ji has always remained with me,” he recalled.Live EventsPM Modi among world’s most visionary leaders, says Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.Wishing PM Modi on the occasion, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Prime Minister has made politics a “medium to serve”.Former world chess champion Viswanathan Anand shared a memory that began with a casual conversation about food. On hearing Anand’s fondness for Gujarati thalis, Modi immediately suggested lunch together at the State Guest House.“He even added warmly, ‘I want to give you the best thali you can remember.’ For me, it was a humbling and unforgettable gesture,” Anand said.Star cricketer Mohammed Siraj also joined the list of sports figures sending wishes, though his messages focused more on respect than anecdotes.Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani extended his wishes to the PM, with a message: “God sent PM Modi as ‘avatar purush’ to lead India.”Uday Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, recounted Modi’s attention to detail during his travels. On a trip to Japan, Modi had been struck by the use of tactile paving to aid the visually impaired.“He was so impressed by the idea that upon returning to Gujarat, he implemented the same concept at Kankariya in Ahmedabad, where it remains visible today,” Kotak said.Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of Aditya Birla Group, described their discussions around India’s economic trajectory. While not framed as a personal story, Birla highlighted Modi’s emphasis on growth narratives and long-term potential.Actor R Madhavan remembered a striking moment during preparations for Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. Disguised in heavy make-up as scientist Nambi Narayanan, he doubted Modi would recognise him. “To my absolute surprise, the moment he saw me, he said, ‘Madhavan ji, you look like Nambi Narayan. Has the shooting of the film started?’”The recognition left the actor moved, showing Modi’s attentiveness even amid the demands of office.Actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, recalling his first meeting with Modi in 2014, described it as a moment of “inspiration, kindness and life lessons.”World leaders join well-wishers’ queueSeveral prominent leaders from other countries also sent their greetings on the PM’s birthday. “Modi Ji has always been a good friend to me and to Britain”, said Rishi Sunak.Italian PM Giorgia Meloni wished her Indian counterpart with an X post, “Happy 75th birthday to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His strength, his determination, and his ability to lead millions of people are a source of inspiration.”In his greeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded Modi for his role in strengthening India-Russia ties.Putin added that Modi has earned the high respect of his “compatriots and enormous authority on the world stage” through his activities as head of government.New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hailed Modi’s leadership and vision, while Australia’s Anthony Albanese called Modi a friend of Australia. Bhutan’s Tshering Tobgay and visiting Mauritius leader Navin Ramgoolam also extended their wishes.US president Donald Trump was had already wishes PM Modi on birthday eve.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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