New Delhi [India], September 17 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday, praising his lifelong focus on the welfare of women and children.
She highlighted PM Modi's announcements made from Dhar, the historic city of Ahilyabai Holkar.
Speaking to the reporters, Smriti Irani said, "I join citizens across the country to wish the Prime Minister a very happy birthday. But what is extremely significant is that he has made these announcements for women and children of our country from a very historical city, from the land of Ahilyabai Holkar, who is not only known for her administrative power, but also the military precision with which she secured her state."
"The Prime Minister, in his entire political journey... at the very centre of his governance model, gave priority to women's and children's health. I today pay tribute not only to his political journey but also to the social steadfastness with which he has led," Irani said.
Celebrations for Prime Minister Modi's 75th birthday are underway across the country, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organising a fortnight-long sewa pakhwada with various events.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Madhya Pradesh's iconic Maheshwari sarees while inaugurating the PM Mitra Park in Dhar district, aimed at boosting the textile industry in the region.
Recalling Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's legacy, he said she had commissioned the first Maheshwari saree by asking artisans to weave a nine-yard drape inspired by the forts of Maheshwar.
"Madhya Pradesh has a rich tradition of Maheshwari textiles, and Devi Ahilyabai Holkar gave them a new dimension. Some time ago, we celebrated the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai. Now, through PM Mitra Park in Dhar, we will carry forward her heritage," the PM said.
He added that the park would serve as an integrated hub for spinning, designing, processing, and exports.
"Essential things like kapas (cotton) and resham (silk) will be available in the PM Mitra Park. Quality check will become easier, and your reach will increase in the market. Spinning, designing, processing and exporting all will happen from here. Dhar will also shine in the global textile market," he said.
On the occasion, PM Modi also released benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) worth over Rs 450 crore to more than 15 lakh women.
"Till now, 4.5 crore women have benefited from the Matru Vandana Yojana. Till now, more than Rs 19,000 crore has been directly deposited in the bank accounts of mothers and sisters. Today too, with one click, benefits of more than Rs 450 crore have reached 15 lakh women," he said.
Under the scheme, Rs 5,000 is transferred for the first childbirth and Rs 6,000 for the birth of a second daughter.