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Schools, BJP Governments Organize Diyas for Modi’s Birthday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his 76th birthday on September 17, 2026.
Several state governments planned special events for the occasion.
At least 75 schools in Delhi were told to light small clay lamps called diyas.
Schools were also asked to hold contests and record videos of the celebrations.
Other events involved millions of lamps in places such as Ujjain and Gujarat.
The governments called the activities a public-service campaign.
Critics said some workers and schools may have been pressured to praise the prime minister.
It was not clear whether every Delhi government school had to participate.
At least 75 Delhi government schools were directed to light earthen lamps for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday.
The Delhi programme includes speeches, drawing and short-video competitions, with activities mandated through October 17.
Bharatiya Janata Party governments planned large lamp-lighting events, including 25 lakh lamps in Ujjain and 88 lakh across Gujarat.
Critics alleged that some Anganwadi workers in Madhya Pradesh were ordered to light lamps and record praise for Modi and government schemes.
The celebrations were described by BJP governments as the month-long “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan,” while critics questioned the use of public institutions for political promotion.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi government schools, BJP-led state governments, teachers, students and Anganwadi workers.
- What
- Government schools and state administrations organized lamp-lighting ceremonies, cultural activities and other events for Modi’s birthday.
- Where
- Delhi, Ujjain and Rohtak, along with locations across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
- When
- Thursday, September 17, 2026; Delhi’s mandated activities are scheduled to continue through October 17.
- Why
- The governments said the events marked Modi’s birthday and formed part of the “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan”; critics said some activities were intended to manufacture political praise.
Government and BJP Supporters
Critics and Opponents
Purpose of the celebrations
Government and BJP Supporters
BJP governments presented the events as a public-service campaign and a way to mark Modi’s birthday.
Critics and Opponents
Critics argued that the activities focused on manufacturing praise and promoting Modi through public institutions.
Participation by schools and workers
Government and BJP Supporters
Officials organized lamp-lighting, competitions and other activities involving schools, teachers and students.
Critics and Opponents
Critics alleged that schools and Anganwadi workers were directed to participate and, in Madhya Pradesh, warned of action for noncompliance.
Public priorities
Government and BJP Supporters
Organizers highlighted large community events, religious rituals and public participation across several states.
Critics and Opponents
Critics said resources and administrative attention should instead address Anganwadi workers’ pay, workload, vacancies, social security, healthcare and building conditions.
Key facts
- Birthday
- Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday was marked on September 17, 2026.
- Delhi schools
- At least 75 government schools were directed to light diyas and upload videos.
- Delhi lamp event
- The Delhi government planned to light 1.2 lakh lamps at Kartavya Path.
- Ujjain event
- More than 25 lakh lamps were planned, with about 30,000 participants.
- Gujarat event
- More than 88 lakh lamps were planned at 18,500 locations.
- Rohtak event
- Ten thousand lamps were planned at Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences.
- Campaign name
- BJP governments described the month-long celebrations as “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan,” or a resolution for public service.
Quotes
Saurav Das
Co-convener of the Cockroach Janta Party political campaign
“If BJP governments had spent this energy addressing the actual problems Anganwadi workers face – poor pay (Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000), crushing workloads, vacancies, no social security or healthcare, and centres functioning out of crumbling buildings – then perhaps these women wouldn’t need to be ‘ordered’ to praise anyone.”
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“If the government had “genuinely transformed their lives, their gratitude will come naturally,””
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Sources
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