PM Birthday Celebrations: Yogi Adityanath Lights Diya In Lucknow; Ghats Illuminated In Varanasi

Preparations are underway at Kartavya Path in Delhi to celebrate the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Around 1.25 lakh diyas are set to be lit at Kartavya Bhavan to mark the occasion, with large gatherings of citizens and leaders expected. The report highlights the structural and cultural transformations in the area, including the shifting of key central government ministries to new complexes, the development of Seva Tirtha housing the Prime Minister's office, the inauguration of the new Parliament building where the women's reservation bill was passed, and the planned conversion of older ministerial buildings into public museums.

Varanasi marked the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with grand celebrations along the banks of the Ganga. Scores of earthen lamps were lit at Namo Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Assi Ghat, resembling a Deepotsav. Students and local residents gathered to participate in the lamp lighting ceremonies alongside the special Ganga Aarti. The occasion also witnessed a bike rally under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan heading from Varanasi to Gujarat. Political leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, took part in events displaying NDA strength ahead of upcoming elections.

Grand celebrations are underway on the banks of the River Hooghly in Kolkata to mark the 76th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. West Bengal government departments have organised events featuring illuminated barges, traditional boats, laser light shows, a fire show, and the lighting of approximately one lakh electric diyas despite heavy rains in the city. The event also highlights the Prime Minister completing 25 years in public service on October 7, while emphasising double-engine growth and public expectations from the administration.

In an interview at the Keralam Round Table, Commonwealth Games silver medalist Mohammed Basil discussed his journey as a 21-year-old sprinter from Kerala. Basil, who started running in sixth standard after initially playing Kho Kho, mentioned that Usain Bolt is his role model. He shared that his personal best timing in the hundred meters is 10.63 seconds, while he clocked 10.83 seconds to win the silver medal at his first international competition. Basil highlighted the early difficulties he faced regarding training facilities and upper body workouts, as well as the guidance provided by his coach and parents. Emphasizing his routine of training morning and evening with rest only on Sundays, Basil stated, "Disability does not matter," encouraging aspiring athletes to work hard in their chosen fields. He also noted the need for equal support from the government for athletes across all sports and expressed optimism about progressing toward future competitions.