Narendra Modi birthday 2019: Gautam Gambhir extends greetings, calls PM 'honour of the country'

On the occasion of Narendra Modi's 69th birthday on Tuesday (17 September), cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir was among those who extended wishes to the prime minister.

The BJP MP from the East Delhi constituency said that Modi gave the Parliament the same respect he accorded his mother and called him the 'the honour of the country'.

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Earlier, several political leaders had greeted Modi, including Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, defence minister Rajnath Singh and home minister Amit Shah.

In his message, Naidu said that under Modi's "effective leadership", the nation was steady progress.

Describing the prime minister as a strong-willed leader and a symbol of decisive leadership and hard work, home minister Amit Shah lauded Modi for his economic reforms. "Under your leadership, an emerging India has made a mark in the world as a strong, safe and reliable nation," Shah tweeted.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh extended his greetings and said that the prime minister has been instrumental in building and strengthening India's position in the "comity of nations".

"His visionary leadership has helped India in scaling new heights of glory. I pray for his good health and long life," the defence ministry tweeted.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also extended his wishes to Modi on his 69th birthday and termed his leadership an "inspiration for all".

"Heartfelt birthday wishes to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Your leadership in building a New India has been an inspiration to all of us. Pray for your long and healthy life as we all work together towards achieving this vision," tweeted Jaishankar.

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal referred to Modi as the "architect of New India" whose leadership has "shattered enemies".

Opposition leaders were not far behind in conveying their wishes to the prime minister. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wished him "good health and happiness" on Twitter.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi too extended her greetings to Modi on his birthday, wishing him a healthy, happy and long life.

"Congress President Sonia Gandhi has extended her greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday.  She wishes him a healthy, happy and long life," a party statement said.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee also wished the prime minister:

Mamata, who is likely to meet Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday for discussions on administrative issues, took to Twitter and said, "Birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji."

The TMC chief has been one of the vocal critics of the BJP and Modi.

JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda greeted the prime minister, wishing him good health and prosperity.

"I wish Narendra Modi a very happy birthday. May God bless you with good health and prosperity," the former prime minister said on Twitter.

Delhi chief minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, too, tweeted his wishes to the prime minister.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati also extended greetings to Modi. "Hearty wishes  to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 69th birthday," she wrote on Twitter.

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot took to Twitter to convey his wishes.

"My best wishes and greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday. May he be blessed with healthy, happy and long life," Gehlot tweeted.

Leaders of various regional parties wished the prime minister.

Greeting Modi on his birthday, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit and other leaders from the state hailed his 'pragmatic' approach and 'devoted' service to the nation and wished him a long healthy life.

"Please accept my heartiest greetings and best wishes on the joyous occasion of your birthday. May almighty God bless you with good health and strength to serve our nation and the people," said Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswami.

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik extended his warm wishes to the prime minister.

Meanwhile, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar also extended his greetings to the prime minister, saying the nation is scaling new heights under Modi's leadership.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama wrote a letter, congratulating the prime minister for the "growing confidence you have brought about". The Dalai Lama added that Indian traditions of 'ahimsa' and 'karuna' are necessary in today's world.

"As a long time guest of India, and as someone who cares deeply about this country, I congratulate you on the growing confidence you have brought about. India's success not only benefits the people of India but also greatly contributes to the development of the world as a whole,"  he wrote.

"As I have communicated to you earlier, I'm very encouraged by the growing interest young people across India are showing in ancient Indian knowledge, which shines like a sun in the east. I am convinced that the age-old Indian traditions of non-violent conduct — 'ahimsa', backed by a compassionate motivation— 'karuna', are not only relevant but are also necessary in today's world," the Tibetan leader said.

On his 68th birthday in 2018, Modi was in his Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi with school children. He visited a primary school to celebrate his birthday with students and later offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple there.

With inputs from PTI