PM Modi seeks mother's blessing on birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday met his mother here and sought her blessings on his 64th birthday. A large number of residents gathered to wish "Happy birthday Narendrabhai".

Modi, who turned 64 Wednesday, reached Ahmedabad Tuesday in his first visit to Gujarat after becoming the prime minister.

Modi family sources told IANS that early Wednesday morning Narendra Modi came to his brother Pankaj's government residence in Sector 22 in Gandhinagar.

When Modi stepped out from his official BMW car, a huge crowd of neighbours cheered Modi, saying: "Happy birthday Narendrabhai."

Modi's mother Hiraba, 95, put both her hands on Modi's head and blessed him when the prime minister bowed to touch her feet.

Sources added that Hiraba contributed Rs.5,001 towards Kashmir flood relief and handed over that amount to Modi.

The prime minister spent about 25 minutes there.

Clad in his iconic half sleeve saffron coloured kurta and a hand woven scarf, Modi was offered laddoo by his mother.

Modi and his mother spent sometime chatting and both were seated on simple plastic garden chairs.

The Prime Minister's Office too tweeted: "PM Narendra Modi met his mother Hira Ba in Gandhinagar, Gujarat this morning. The prime minister sought the blessings of his mother."

Later Wednesday, Modi will welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping in Ahmedabad who is on a three-day sojourn to India.