BJP Lights 108 Lamps to Celebrate PM Modi’s 76th Birthday in Shimla

On September 18, the BJP’s state headquarters in Shimla buzzed with a mixture of reverence and celebration. Party volunteers, senior leaders and local supporters assembled for the specially‑named ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ programme, a nod to India’s age‑old tradition of offering lamps for blessings.

One by one, 108 bright diyas were kindled, each flame symbolising a wish for the Prime Minister’s health, longevity and continued dedication to the nation. The sight of the flickering lights against the cool Himalayan backdrop was, in many eyes, a poignant reminder of the respect Modi commands across the country.

Present as chief guest was BJP State General Secretary (Organisation) Siddharthan, who, together with State Secretary Sumit Sharma and other senior functionaries, led the prayers. Their speeches, while celebratory, were peppered with references to Modi’s long public‑service journey – from his early days as Gujarat’s chief minister in 2001 to his current role steering the nation’s development agenda.

Sharma highlighted the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision, underscoring that achieving a developed India by the centenary of independence will need the collective effort of every citizen – youth, women, farmers, professionals and, of course, the party cadre.

But the ceremony was not just about lighting lamps. In a parallel move, the BJP announced the launch of a month‑long “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan” that will run from September 17 to October 17. Party State General Secretary Payal Vaidya explained that the campaign will feature blood‑donation camps, “Seva Jyoti Yatras” and a series of community‑service drives. Under the banner “25 Years‑25 Minutes”, volunteers are encouraged to spare at least a quarter of an hour each day to help a neighbour, a senior citizen or a charitable cause.

The idea, Vaidya said, is simple: foster a habit of giving, no matter how small, and weave it into everyday life. “When we ask people to spend just 25 minutes, the impact multiplies,” she noted, adding that the blood‑donation drives aim to save lives while reinforcing the spirit of solidarity.

As the evening drew to a close, the assembled crowd joined in a chorus of birthday wishes, offering heartfelt prayers for Narendra Modi’s continued vigor and success. The 108 diyas, the speeches, and the forthcoming service campaign together painted a picture of a party eager to blend tradition with action, hope with responsibility.