PM Narendra Modi Turns 75: Service as Celebration
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates his 75th birthday on September 17, 2025, marking a milestone that blends personal significance with the larger journey of India. Born in Vadnagar, Gujarat in 1950, Modi’s rise from humble beginnings to one of India’s most influential leaders is often seen as a reflection of the nation’s aspirations. This year, the occasion goes beyond festivity, channeling the theme of “Seva” (selfless service) through impactful campaigns across the country.
Seva Pakhwada: A Festival of Public Service
Instead of grand celebrations, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a two-week-long nationwide campaign, “Seva Pakhwada,” running from September 17 to October 2. The program emphasizes health, environment, and community engagement. Initiatives include free health check-ups, blood donation drives, cleanliness campaigns, fitness runs, and environmental projects. This approach reframes the birthday as an opportunity for collective service and civic participation.
Development Initiatives Across States
Several states have unveiled major projects to mark the day. In Delhi, a ₹3,000 crore infrastructure package is set to improve water supply, sewage systems, healthcare facilities, and local roads. Odisha has pledged to plant 75 lakh saplings in a single day, highlighting sustainability. In Varanasi, Modi’s constituency, projects worth ₹111 crore are being inaugurated to strengthen urban amenities. Each effort is tied to the broader vision of building a self-reliant and progressive India.
Youth and Cultural Outreach
The BJP youth wing (BJYM) has taken the lead in mobilizing young citizens through “Namo Yuva Runs” in cities across India. These runs promote fitness, unity, and a drug-free lifestyle. In Bihar, cultural outreach has gained momentum with screenings of Chalo Jeete Hain, a short film based on Modi’s early life, presented in every assembly constituency through mobile LED screens. Such programs reinforce personal inspiration while fostering community bonds.
Viksit Bharat @2047: The Larger Vision
The overarching theme of the celebrations—“Viksit Bharat @2047”—links Modi’s milestone to India’s centenary of independence. A national conclave titled Modi Mahotsav: Viksit Bharat @2047 has been organized in New Delhi by the Centre for Narendra Modi Studies (CNMS). The conclave features discussions on inclusive growth, social justice, sustainable development, and the roadmap for a developed India. This strategic framing situates the birthday within the long-term national vision.
The Message of Seva and Responsibility
At the heart of the occasion is the concept of Seva. Modi’s birthday is being used to emphasize leadership as responsibility rather than privilege. While the symbolism is powerful, questions remain: Will the announced projects meet deadlines? Will the environmental drives achieve lasting impact? Critics caution that without consistent follow-through, the initiatives risk becoming symbolic rather than transformative.
A National Moment Beyond Celebration
PM Modi’s 75th birthday stands as more than a personal milestone. It reflects a moment where celebration meets civic duty, where service replaces spectacle, and where leadership is tied to the collective future. As the Seva Pakhwada continues until October 2, the initiative highlights not just one man’s journey but a nation’s aspirations toward responsibility, unity, and progress.