Dear Friends,

Today, 17^th September is my birth anniversary. Very often I am asked this question- “Modi ji how do you celebrate your birthday? What do you do on this special day?” etc. The fact is that throughout my life journey this day has been no different from any other day and has been as special to me as everyday day of my life.

Out of affection, many young friends and well-wishers have used this day to do some very touching acts of service as well as other forms of social work. I am thankful to them from the bottom of my heart for these wonderful acts of service held on this day.

17^th September this year will be different in the way that on the very next day on 18^th September, I will be completing a journey of 4000 days in service of the people of Gujarat as the Chief Minister. Never since the inception of Gujarat, has the state seen political stability for such a long span of time. If one desires to see how a progressive government with political stability and an atmosphere of vibrancy can deliver some fantastic results in the span of a decade, you can take Gujarat as a living example.

The success of Gujarat’s development journey is not the handiwork of one person, family or a select few. It is the feeling of ‘Mai Nahi Hum’ (Not ‘I’ but ‘we’) and a solid team spirit that has been the force behind Gujarat’s success in the last 4000 days. 

‘Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas’ (All together, growth for all)- this Mantra of Gujarat has emerged as the life force of a new political culture.

In the solid determination to steer Gujarat to new heights, the support and contribution of my 6 crore Gujaratis has been foundational and extremely important. On this day, I humbly bow to this spirit of the people.

At the same time, I salute the spirit of service and dedication of the more than 6 lakh Karma Yogis of Gujarat Government whose tireless efforts have ensured that our state scaled new heights of progress and infused immense pride in our hearts and optimism in our minds while marking its place on the map of the world.

During this journey of 4000 days, I have also been the target of several lies, exaggerations and half-truths from some sections with vested interests. It further ruffles their feathers when these very elements fail to secure any response from me. As I have always believed- more the stones that are hurled at me, the longer the flight of stairs I plan to build towards the progress of Gujarat and its people.

Yet, in contrast to these canards spread by those with a destructive mindset, I have also received several very touching pearls of wisdom, appreciation and ideas that have enriched me immensely. Today, I am sharing some self-explanatory letters in front of you. In the midst of these mistruths, it will be very easy to figure out what the truth is.

Two of the letters are penned by the noted former judge of the Honorable Supreme Court and a stalwart in public life- Justice VR Krishna Iyer, who is 98 years old. The letters have been written with great warmth and affection and they remain one of those treasures that I will cherish for life.

Justice Iyer wrote:

Dear Narendra Modi,

I have received your letter. I hold you as a great man, a creative administrator and a humanist wonder. I am a small man have no power, 98 years old and on my way to quit. I am immensely happy with your letter and the great energy radicalism you have achieved. How I wish Indian political leadership had the same inventive or at least innovative march with one vision: to wipe every tear from every eye. Our poverty in the field of energy is a thing of the past provided solar power and wind power are utilized. I pray for your leadership of Indian welfare. May that day dawn and Gandhiji’s stand fulfilled in his vision.

Dear Modi, politics apart I will be with you for the happiness of the little Indian.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,

V.R. KRISHNA IYER

He also wrote,

Dear Narendra Modi, 

            After glancing through the material you had sent through courier I hold you as a part of the Indian history in its modern development odyssey. You are a super patriot and your stature is beyond any particular party. Do continue the national mission you have undertaken. Indian history of the 20^th century will not be complete without an excellent reference to the majestic contribution you have made in the field of Indian Energy Unlimited. 

With regards,                                   

Yours sincerely,                                                                                                                     

V.R. KRISHNA IYER

[ YOU CAN READ THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE LETTERS HERE ]

The second letter has been written to me by Shri N Vittal, who has left a distinguished mark of years of service including as the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) of India.

Shri Vittal wrote,

Respected and Dear Chief Minister Hon. Shri Narendra Modi,

I enclose herewith my latest book “Ending Corruption? How to clean up India” published by Penguin Books India, this month.

You have set before our nation an excellent example of what can be achieved if absolute political integrity and commitment to good governance are combined in a leader. You have also shown how openness to new ideas and political courage to take even unpopular but sound decisions in the interest of development and good governance can work wonders.

Based on my 42 years in government I have attempted to present a new perspective and solution to the number one problem before the nation – Corruption in public life.

I shall be very grateful if in your busy schedule, you could kindly find some time to glance through my book.

Warm Regards, 

Yours Sincerely

N Vittal

[ YOU CAN READ THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE LETTER HERE ]

Both these individuals are known for their integrity and values. For the kind words they have written, I profusely thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Once again, my sincere thanks to all of you for your continuous support and generous wishes on my birthday. 

Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat!

Yours,

Narendra Modi