Wishes for PM pour in from across country

President Pranab Mukherjee, vice-president Hamid Ansari, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, BJP veteran L.K. Advani among others, wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 66th birthday. The PM’s ministerial colleagues, other political leaders from various hues, film personalities, sports personalities, and a host of foreign leaders also wished him.

In his message the President said, “May the Almighty bless you with good health, happiness and many more years of dedicated service to the nation. Let this day be the beginning of a year of greater achievements in your and our nation’s life.”

In response, the PM tweeted: “I thank Honourable Rashtrapatiji for his kind birthday greetings.”

Vice-president Hamid Ansari, who is on a visit to Venezuela, also wished Mr Modi. In his reply, the PM tweeted: “My gratitude to Vice President Shri Hamid Ansari for his wishes.”

Congress VP Rahul Gandhi also tweeted: “Best wishes to the Prime Minister Narendra Modiji on his birthday,” to which the PM responded: “Thank you very much Rahul Ji.”

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ who is on his India visit, also wished him over phone. Chief Justice of India TS Thakur personally met Mr Modi at Raj Bhavan in Gujarat to greet him.

Mr Modi thanked the CJI for his wishes. “Met CJI Shri Thakur. I thank him for his kind wishes,” he tweeted.

Extending his greetings, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani tweeted: “Happy birthday @narendramodi! Warmest and heartfelt wishes from a proud friend and a grateful nation.” Responding to this, Mr Modi tweeted: “Thank you. Humbled by the kind words.”

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh, in his Twitter message said, “I wish a long and healthy life to @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi ji on his 66th birthday.”

BJP veteran LK Advani also greeted Mr Modi. “Received the blessings and birthday greetings of Advani ji during our telephone conversation. My gratitude to him,” Mr Modi tweeted later.

Apple CEO Tim Cook was also among those who greeted the Prime Minister. “A very happy birthday to @narendramodi. Vasudhaiva kutumbakam — the world is one family,” he tweeted. In his response the Prime Minister replied: “Fully agree with you! And thank you so much for your good wishes.”

Indian cricket star Virendra Sehwag, while greeting Mr Modi, tweeted: “Happy Birthday @narendramodi ji. 66 not out Mubarak. Please score a century in ur (your) life and also make this India’s century.”

He also posted a greeting card which read: “Wish you a very happy birthday. Your humility, time management, oratory skills, detailing and enthusiasm defies age and is inspiring. May you get support from your colleagues and countrymen in making India a superpower and help us fly high.... Have a great birthday and a wonderful life ahead. Stay healthy and in grace.” Mr Modi responded: “Sehwag Ji, you are very kind. Together we have to make this India’s century and take India to new heights.”