Raipur, September 17, 2026: On the occasion of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s birthday today, the capital city of Raipur was illuminated by the glow of lakhs of earthen lamps. Enthusiastic participation from all sections of society was witnessed during the ‘Aashirwad ka Diya’ (Lamp of Blessings) program, organized to mark the launch of the state-wide ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ (Pledge of Service Campaign). Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai personally lit a lamp and prayed for the Prime Minister’s healthy, long, and successful life. By lighting over 25 lakh ‘Aashirwad ka Diyas’ across the capital, the residents of Raipur expressed their affection and best wishes for Prime Minister Modi. This event, driven by public participation, also secured a place in the Golden Book of World Records.
Chief Minister Shri Sai set out for the event in the evening after lighting a lamp at his official residence. The glow of the ‘Aashirwad ka Diyas’ was visible along the entire route—stretching from Chhattisgarh Club Chowk through Bhagat Singh Chowk, Ghadi Chowk, Sharda Chowk, Gaurav Path, and Shankar Nagar—leading to the main venue at Telibandha Pond. Citizens had lit lamps in large numbers on both sides of the road. Chief Minister Shri Sai stopped at various locations to encourage the citizens and joined them in lighting the lamps.
During the event, Chief Minister Shri Sai paid tribute by garlanding the statues of Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar at Ghadi Chowk, Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee at Sharda Chowk, and the immortal martyr Bhagat Singh at Bhagat Singh Chowk.
Addressing the main function held at Marine Drive, Chief Minister Shri Sai extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on his birthday on behalf of all the people of Chhattisgarh. He stated that by making service to the nation his resolve and public service his mission, Prime Minister Modi has elevated India’s prestige to new heights on the global stage. His dedication to serving ‘Maa Bharati’ (Mother India), his firm resolve, and his ceaseless efforts towards nation-building serve as a source of inspiration for us all.
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that Prime Minister Modi’s 25-year journey of public service has been dedicated to service, good governance, the welfare of the poor, and nation-building. During this period, the country has witnessed sweeping transformations across various sectors of development and public welfare. Public welfare schemes—ranging from providing permanent housing for the poor to ensuring access to clean drinking water, electricity, healthcare facilities, sanitation, financial inclusion, and basic infrastructure—have transformed the lives of millions.
The Chief Minister stated that Prime Minister Modi serves the nation continuously, regarding the country’s 1.4 billion citizens as his own family and guided by the core mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, aur Sabka Prayas’ (Together with all, Development for all, Trust of all, and Effort of all). The welfare of every section of society—including the poor, farmers, youth, women, laborers, the underprivileged, and tribal communities—lies at the heart of his policies. His resolve to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) is now evolving into the collective resolve of the nation’s citizens.
Chief Minister Sai remarked that today is a special day for Raipur and the entire state of Chhattisgarh. Citizens in the capital expressed their affection and best wishes for Prime Minister Modi by lighting over 2.5 million ‘Aashirwad ke Diye’ (Lamps of Blessing). The enthusiastic participation of all sections of society—including social and cultural groups and various public organizations—in this event stands as a beautiful testament to the power of public participation.
The Chief Minister noted that the ‘Aashirwad ka Diya’ event is not merely about lighting a lamp; it is an opportunity to commit to the ideals of service and public participation. The light from these lamps inspires us to bring hope and prosperity to the lives of the most marginalized individuals in society. With this spirit, various programs focused on service, cleanliness, health, nutrition, environmental conservation, and public welfare will be organized across the state from September 17 to October 17 under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ (Service Pledge Campaign).
During the event, it was announced that the ‘Aashirwad ka Diya’ initiative had been entered into the Golden Book of World Records. Chief Minister Sai congratulated the residents of Raipur, the participating social organizations, public representatives, volunteers, and the entire district administration team on this achievement. He remarked that such massive public participation had made the event truly memorable.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Sai also launched ‘Project Akshara,’ an innovative initiative by the Raipur district administration. Through this initiative, children and the youth, in particular, will be encouraged to reduce screen time and engage more deeply with books and the culture of reading. The Chief Minister remarked that while technology is an integral part of our lives today, a connection with books enriches our imagination, thinking ability, and personality. ‘Project Akshara’ will prove to be a meaningful initiative in fostering the habit of reading among the new generation.
The event was attended by numerous public representatives—including Mr. Sanjay Srivastava (Chairman, NON), Mr. Amarjit Chhabra (Chairman, Minorities Commission), Dr. Salim Raj (Chairman, Waqf Board), Mr. Naveen Agarwal (District Panchayat President), and Dr. Mamata Sahu (Chairperson, Women’s Commission)—as well as office-bearers of various social and cultural organizations, prominent citizens, and a large number of members of the general public.
