Did PM Modi Wish Dharmendra Pradhan on His Birthday While Celebrating His Contributions to Education?

New Delhi, June 26 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a moment on Thursday to convey his heartfelt birthday wishes to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, commending his significant contributions to the advancement of India’s education system.

In a post shared on his X account, PM Modi expressed, “Warm birthday greetings to Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji. His dedication to enhancing India’s education sector, with an emphasis on research and innovation, is truly admirable and greatly beneficial to India’s Yuva Shakti. Wishing him a long and healthy life.”

Born in 1969, Dharmendra Pradhan serves as the Union Education Minister and represents the Sambalpur constituency in Odisha within the Lok Sabha. He is the son of Dr. Debendra Pradhan, a previous BJP MP.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also shared his best wishes, praying for Pradhan’s longevity and health. CM Yogi posted, “Sincere birthday wishes to the esteemed member of the BJP family, Honourable Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji! I pray to Lord Shri Jagannath Ji for your continued health and success,” in Hindi (translated loosely).

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed his birthday wishes as well, wishing for Pradhan's well-being: “Warm birthday greetings to my colleague in the Union Cabinet, Shri @dpradhanbjpji. I pray to God for your excellent health, long life, and prosperity.”

Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, also offered his congratulations on X: “Best wishes to senior party leader and my colleague in the Union Cabinet, Shri @dpradhanbjpJi on his birthday. May God bless him with good health, happiness, and a long life. Many happy returns of the day!”

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended his birthday greetings as well, praying for the enhancement of the education system under Pradhan’s guidance and vision. CM Majhi wrote, “May Lord Shri Jagannath and Maa Sambaleswari bless you with a joyful, healthy, and long life, providing you with the strength to serve the people. May the education system flourish further under your leadership,” in Odiya (loosely translated).

Pradhan first assumed the role of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 2014. He went on to serve as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2017, and was appointed Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel in 2019.

Known as the 'Ujjwala Man' throughout India, Pradhan made significant strides during his tenure as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister. He played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the PM Ujjwala Yojana, which provided free cooking gas cylinders to underprivileged women.

On May 31, 2019, Pradhan began his second consecutive term as Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas. During this period, he made crucial decisions in the hydrocarbon sector, including the introduction of a new Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy that boosted domestic oil and gas production and created substantial employment opportunities.

In July 2021, Pradhan transitioned to become the Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. He led the rollout of the National Education Policy 2020, implementing several innovative initiatives that have had a positive impact on India’s educational landscape.