Gandhinagar, June 20 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi joined political leaders across the country in extending birthday greetings to President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday as she celebrated her 68th birthday.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Patel described President Murmu’s rise from a modest background to the country’s highest constitutional office as an inspiration for crores of Indians.

“Your life journey, rising from a humble background to the highest constitutional office in the country, and your dedication to democratic values, are an inspiration to crores of Indians, especially the tribal community and women power,” Patel said.

The Chief Minister added that he prayed to Lord Jagannath to bless the President with good health, a long life and boundless energy to continue serving the nation.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also conveyed his wishes, praising the President’s public service and perseverance.

“Your inspiring journey, defined by humility, resilience and dedicated public service, continues to motivate millions across the nation. Wishing you good health, happiness and many more years of service to the country,” Sanghavi said.

President Murmu, who assumed office as India’s 15th President on July 25, 2022, is the first tribal person and the second woman to hold the country’s highest constitutional post.

Before becoming President, she served as Governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021 and was previously a minister and legislator in Odisha.

The President’s birthday coincided with a significant public programme in her home state of Odisha, where she and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were scheduled to make a rare joint appearance to launch and inaugurate development projects worth more than Rs 47,600 crore.

The projects span infrastructure and other sectors and form part of a major development initiative in the state.

President Murmu has also been on an official visit to Madhya Pradesh this week, where she participated in programmes including the commemoration of International Sickle Cell Day and highlighted the importance of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.

Birthday wishes for the President were shared by leaders from across the political spectrum, reflecting recognition of her journey from a tribal village in Odisha to Rashtrapati Bhavan and her role as the nation’s constitutional head.

–IANS

mys/uk