Lucknow: While Sewa Pakhwada is organised by BJP-led state govts each year to mark the birthday of Narendra Modi, this year it is expected to be slightly more special with Prime Minister set to celebrate a milestone 75th birthday on Sept 17.In addition to the regular two-week-long Sewa Pakhwada that begins on the PM’s birthday, a book on the life of the PM will also be on sale across all states. A senior BJP member in Lucknow told TOI that the book, which is so far under wraps, will be distributed to party units across all states and will be up for sale. “The central leadership in Delhi will be dispatching copies of the book to us. As of now, everything, from the author to the theme and even the cost of the book, is under wraps. All we have been informed is that the book will be based on the PM,” the party functionary said. In addition to routine programmes which are held every year to mark the PM’s birthday, this time the celebration will focus strongly on ‘vocal for local’, based on the PM’s call to move to Swadeshi in light of the recent US tariffs on India. To support this, there will be a major push to purchase khadi, not just on Sept 17 but also on the conclusion of the Pakhwada, which will mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri. “This year, art competitions have also been introduced during the Pakhwada. In addition to this, all other programmes which were held in previous years will get a bigger push. For instance, a Swachhta Abhiyan will start on Sept 17 and will be conducted at every booth. Blood donation camps will be organised, and at least 75 units of blood should be collected from each district to mark the PM’s 75th birthday,” the functionary said. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed district administrations to set up exhibitions on the life of the PM. A massive tree plantation drive will also be carried out, and ‘Namo Van’ and ‘Namo Parks’ will be established in all districts.”During the two weeks, various programmes should be organised, such as cleanliness drives, tree plantation, blood donation camps, health camps, intellectual dialogues, fairs and exhibitions under ‘Vocal for Local’, sports and art competitions, marathons, while exhibitions on the life of PM Modi should be organised in all districts,” the CM has directed.
