PM Modi, Sonia wish Prez Mukherjee on his birthday

A man of humble origins, Mukherjee was born on Dec 11, 1935 in West Bengal's Mirati village in a freedom fighters' family

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi extended their good wishes to President Pranab Mukherjee on turning 80 on Friday.

In his greeting, Modi described Mukherjee an "invaluable asset" for the country.

"President Mukherjee's long years in public life make him an invaluable asset to our nation. His wisdom and intelligence have few parallels," the prime minister tweeted. "I convey my heartfelt wishes to our beloved president... I pray for his long and healthy life."

In another tweet, the prime minister said the president has always been a respected leader, with friends and well-wishers across the political spectrum.

In her birthday greetings, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi said,"Praying for the President's long and healthy life. I hope that his immense experience and knowledge will forever guide the country."

A man of humble origins, Mukherjee was born on December 11, 1935 in West Bengal's Mirati village in a freedom fighters' family. He has a political career spanning six decades.