“PM Modi Turns 75; BJP Launches ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ Nationwide”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 75th birthday on September 17, 2025, a milestone celebrated not just as a personal occasion but as a national moment. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has rolled out a nationwide campaign titled ‘Sewa Pakhwada’, or “Fortnight of Service,” to commemorate the Prime Minister’s legacy and contributions. Rather than focusing on festivities, the campaign emphasizes community service, social welfare, and people-oriented initiatives — reflecting Modi’s own call for governance that is rooted in service, inclusivity, and development.

As greetings poured in from world leaders, political colleagues, and citizens across the country, BJP workers and supporters turned the day into a movement of service, extending Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas” to the grassroots.

The Significance of ‘Sewa Pakhwada’

The ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ initiative is not a new concept for the BJP. Since Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, the party has repeatedly used his birthday to launch service-oriented drives. However, this year holds special significance as it coincides with his 75th birthday — a milestone often regarded in Indian tradition as a mark of senior statesmanship and wisdom.

Under the campaign, BJP cadres across states have been directed to conduct various welfare activities, including:

• Blood donation camps to address shortages in hospitals.
• Free health check-ups and medical camps, with special focus on women, children, and the elderly.
• Swachh Bharat drives for cleanliness in public places, rivers, and villages.
• Tree plantation campaigns to further Modi’s emphasis on sustainability and climate action.
• Awareness programs on government schemes, ensuring that beneficiaries know their entitlements.
• Food distribution for the underprivileged, echoing Modi’s repeated call for caring for the poorest sections of society.

By organizing these activities nationwide, BJP aims to demonstrate that service is not just a political slogan but a core value of governance under Modi’s leadership.

Modi’s Journey: From Gujarat to Global Leadership

The milestone also serves as a moment to reflect on Modi’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Vadnagar, Gujarat, to becoming one of the most influential global leaders.

• Early life and struggles: Born in 1950, Modi grew up in a modest household, assisting his father at a tea stall before joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His early years instilled discipline, simplicity, and a deep sense of nationalism.
• Rise in Gujarat: As Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, Modi pioneered an economic model that emphasized infrastructure, industrial growth, and governance reforms.
• Prime Ministership: Elected as India’s Prime Minister in 2014, and again in 2019 with an even larger mandate, Modi reshaped India’s global image. From flagship schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat, to mega reforms like GST, Digital India, and Make in India, his tenure has been marked by transformative policies.
• Global stature: Modi today is regarded as one of the most powerful voices on issues like climate change, counter-terrorism, and digital innovation. His rapport with world leaders and assertive diplomacy have placed India at the center of global conversations.

Turning 75 is not just a personal milestone but a symbolic moment in India’s political journey, as Modi continues to shape the nation’s trajectory.

Nationwide Celebrations

While the BJP’s official line emphasizes service, the day was marked by celebrations across the country. From local temples to community halls, BJP supporters organized prayers, cultural programs, and exhibitions of Modi’s life and achievements.

• In Varanasi, Modi’s parliamentary constituency, the ghats of the Ganga lit up with diyas, echoing the scale of festivities usually reserved for national festivals.
• In Delhi, the BJP headquarters hosted exhibitions on Modi’s leadership, with stalls showcasing key government initiatives.
• Across states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, karyakartas (party workers) distributed food and organized health camps.

Social media also played a key role, with hashtags like #ModiAt75 and #SewaPakhwada trending throughout the day. Citizens, celebrities, and leaders alike shared messages, photographs, and short videos extending greetings to the Prime Minister.

Greetings from Across the Spectrum

Prominent leaders from across party lines extended wishes, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and other senior leaders. International leaders such as US President, UK Prime Minister, and several Asian counterparts also sent greetings, underlining Modi’s stature on the world stage.

Even opposition leaders, despite their political differences, acknowledged the occasion, reflecting the respect accorded to Modi’s long career.

Symbolism of 75

The 75th birthday holds symbolic meaning in Indian political and cultural life. For Modi, who led the nation during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (75 years of India’s independence in 2022), turning 75 resonates deeply. It positions him not just as a leader of the present but also as a statesman shaping India’s journey toward 2047, when the nation will mark 100 years of independence.

BJP leaders highlighted this connection, saying that Modi’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047 is directly tied to his leadership today.

Criticism and Opposition Response

While the BJP marked the day with service programs, opposition parties criticized what they called a “cult of personality” around Modi. Some leaders questioned whether the service drives were genuine or politically motivated, especially as they coincide with upcoming state elections.

Others, however, noted that such campaigns do bring tangible benefits at the ground level, and if implemented sincerely, they help bridge the gap between governance and people.

Modi’s Message

In his birthday message, Modi thanked citizens for their wishes but reiterated his focus on service over celebration. He urged party workers and citizens to use the occasion not for personal festivity but for contributing to society.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of “Seva Parmo Dharma” (service is the highest duty), Modi emphasized that true celebration lies in uplifting the poor, empowering women, protecting the environment, and strengthening India’s democratic fabric.

Looking Ahead

As Modi steps into his 76th year, the political landscape of India remains deeply intertwined with his leadership. With general elections scheduled for 2029 and critical state polls ahead, the BJP’s decision to anchor his birthday in service reflects both a political strategy and an ideological stance.

For citizens, however, the larger message is clear: India’s progress depends on collective responsibility. By aligning a personal milestone with national service, Modi has once again sought to merge his identity with the aspirations of the people.