Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76 on 17 September 2026, with Gujarat's top leadership — Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi — leading tributes that underscored his 25-year journey from the lanes of Vadnagar to the highest office in the country. Both leaders highlighted his record as a public servant who first took charge as Gujarat Chief Minister on 7 October 2001, before moving to the Prime Minister's Office in 2014.

Patel's Tribute: 'Rewritten the Nation's Destiny'

In a post on social media platform X, Chief Minister Patel wrote: 'From the quiet lanes of Vadnagar to the pulse of a billion hearts! PM Narendra Modi Ji's 25-year journey of relentless dedication has truly rewritten our nation's destiny. It is an honour to walk in your footsteps towards a Viksit Bharat. Wishing our visionary Prime Minister a very Happy Birthday!'

In a separate message, Patel characterised Modi's journey from Vadnagar to the Prime Minister's Office as 'a story of public trust and continued service.' He cited the government's emphasis on cultural preservation alongside development — encapsulated in the phrase 'Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi' — as well as digital transformation, modern infrastructure and self-reliance in the defence sector.

Patel also highlighted the vision of 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047' as the cornerstone of the development agenda, identifying the poor, youth, farmers and women as its primary beneficiaries.

Sanghavi: 'A Dream That Became a Movement'

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi described Modi's public life as a journey that 'began with a dream and became a movement that inspires a nation.' In his message, Sanghavi said: 'From the soil of Gujarat to the global stage, your life continues to embody seva, sankalp and Rastranirman.' He added that Modi's resolve and leadership would inspire future generations working towards a developed India.

Celebrations in Ahmedabad: 'Aashirvad No Devo'

A special event titled 'Aashirvad No Devo' (Lamp of Blessings) was organised at Vishwa Umiya Dham in the Jaspur area of Ahmedabad to mark the Prime Minister's birthday and commemorate his 25 years of public service. Chief Minister Patel attended the programme.

The event featured a large-scale lighting display across a representation of the Indian map, a recital of 'Vande Mataram' by 76 girls — one for each year of the Prime Minister's life — alongside folk music, devotional performances, and a presentation on his life and public journey. Patel and other officials also participated in a Maha Aarti during the event.

Sankalp Programme and Public Participation

A companion programme themed 'Sankalp – Viksit Bharat 2047' was also held, drawing a large number of residents from across Ahmedabad who lit the 'Aashirvad No Devo' lamps to mark the occasion. The events collectively reflected the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s effort to frame Modi's birthday not merely as a personal milestone but as an occasion for national renewal and political messaging around the 2047 development target.

Modi's 25th year as an elected representative marks a milestone that few Indian politicians have reached at such sustained national prominence, and the celebrations in his home state signal that the Gujarat political establishment continues to position itself closely alongside his national narrative.