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My deepest gratitude for your support and generous wishes

Published By : Admin | September 17, 2012 | 11:45 IST

 

Dear Friends,

Today, 17th 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.

17th September this year will be different in the way that on the very next day on 18th 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 20th 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

 

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Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and a tribute to Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat
January 15, 2026

A few days ago, I was in the sacred land of Somnath to be part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking a thousand years since the first attack on Somnath, which took place in 1026. People from all across India had come to be part of this moment of remembrance, united by a shared reverence for history, culture and the enduring spirit of the people of India. During the programme, I met a few people who had previously come to Somnath during the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam and had been to Kashi during the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Their words of appreciation for such platforms touched me and so, I thought of sharing a few thoughts on this subject.

During one of the Mann Ki Baat programmes, I had said that not learning Tamil is a major regret of my life. Fortunately, over the last few years, our Government has had several opportunities to further popularise Tamil culture across India and to deepen the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ A prime example of such an effort is the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. In our ethos, Sangam or confluence has a special place. Seen in this light, the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam stands out as a truly distinctive initiative, one that celebrates the living unity of India’s many traditions while honouring their unique identities.

And what can be a better place than Kashi to host such a Sangamam. The same Kashi, which has remained a civilisational anchor from time immemorial… where, for thousands of years, people from all over have come in search of knowledge, meaning and Moksha.

Kashi’s connection with Tamil people and culture is very deep. It is in Kashi that Baba Vishwanath resides, while Tamil Nadu has Rameswaram. Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu is known as Kashi of the south or Dakshin Kashi. Saint Kumaraguruparar Swamigal forged a lasting link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu through his spirituality, scholarship and institution-building. Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, one of Tamil Nadu’s greatest sons, found in Kashi a space of intellectual growth and spiritual awakening. It was here that his nationalism deepened, his poetry sharpened and his vision of a free, united India took clearer shape. There are several such instances that highlight this close bond.

The first edition of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam took place in 2022. I recall attending the inauguration programme. Scholars, artisans, students, farmers, writers, professionals and many others from Tamil Nadu travelled to Kashi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya.

Subsequent editions expanded the scale and depth of this effort. The aim was to keep introducing fresh themes, innovative formats and deeper engagement, thus ensuring that the Sangamam continued to evolve while remaining rooted in its core spirit. In the second edition in 2023, technology was used on a larger scale to ensure that language does not become a barrier for people. In the third edition, the focus was on Indian knowledge systems. At the same time, academic discussions, cultural performances, exhibitions and interactions witnessed greater participation. Thousands of people have taken part in these events.

The fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam commenced on 2nd December 2025. The theme picked was very interesting- Tamil Karkalam - Learn Tamil. It presented a unique opportunity for people in Kashi and other parts to learn the beautiful Tamil language. Teachers came from Tamil Nadu and the students of Kashi had a very memorable experience!

There were many other special events this time.

Tholkappiyam, the ancient Tamil literary classic, was translated into 4 Indian languages and 6 foreign languages.

A unique event, Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition (SAVE), was undertaken from Tenkasi to Kashi. On the way, various initiatives such as eye camps, health awareness camps, digital literacy camps, among other things, were held. The expedition paid homage to King Adi Veera Parakrama Pandiyan, the great Pandya ruler who spread the message of cultural oneness. There were exhibitions at Namo Ghat, academic sessions at Banaras Hindu University, as well as cultural programmes.

One of the things that makes me most happy about the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is the participation of thousands of youngsters. It illustrates the passion among our Yuva Shakti to deepen their connect with our roots. It is a brilliant platform for them to showcase their talent and creativity during the various cultural programmes.

In addition to the Sangamam, efforts have been made to make the journey to Kashi memorable for the participants. The Indian Railways operated special trains to take people from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh. In many railway stations, particularly in Tamil Nadu, they were cheered, and the train journey was marked by melodious songs and conversations.

Here, I would also like to appreciate my sisters and brothers of Kashi and Uttar Pradesh for their warmth and hospitality shown to the delegates of the various Kashi-Tamil Sangamams. Several people opened the doors of their homes for the guests from Tamil Nadu. The local administration worked round the clock to ensure the guests had a seamless experience. As the MP from Varanasi, I could not be prouder!

This time, the valedictory function of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam was held in Rameswaram and it was graced by the Vice President of India, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji, who is himself a proud son of Tamil Nadu. He delivered a very inspiring address, emphasising India’s spiritual greatness and how such platforms deepen national integration.

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam has delivered meaningful outcomes like strengthening cultural understanding, fostering academic and people-to-people exchanges and creating lasting bonds between parts of the country that share a civilisational ethos. In the coming times, we want to make this platform even more vibrant. Most importantly, it has furthered the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ This spirit has flourished for centuries through our festivals, literature, music, art, cuisine, architecture, systems of knowledge and more.

This time of the year is very auspicious for people across the length and breadth of India. People are enthusiastically marking various festivals like Sankranti, Uttarayan, Pongal, Magh Bihu, which are, among other things, associated with the Sun, nature and farming. These festivals bring people together and deepen the spirit of harmony in our society. I convey my best wishes for these festivals and hope they continue to inspire us to deepen national unity through our shared heritage and collective participation.