Srinagar/Leh: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena extended their greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday on Thursday.
“Wishing Hon PM @narendramodi ji a very happy birthday. Wish you good health and a long life,” Abdullah said in a post on X.
In Leh, Saxena led a ‘padyatra’ (foot march) under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ on the occasion of ‘Sewa Diwas’, marking Prime Minister Modi’s birthday. He also handed over appointment letters to 396 newly selected candidates at a ‘Rozgar Mela’.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor said Modi’s visionary leadership in shaping a self-reliant, developed and progressive new India continues to inspire all. “Heartfelt birthday greetings to our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi Ji. Your visionary leadership in shaping a self-reliant, developed and progressive New India continues to inspire all of us. I pray for your long, healthy, and vibrant life as the nation collectively strives to fulfil your grand vision for the country,” Sinha said in a post on X.
Born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat’s Vadnagar, Modi turned 76 on Thursday. He completes 25 uninterrupted years in public office on October 7, having first taken the oath as Gujarat chief minister in 2001 before becoming prime minister in 2014.
Speaking to reporters, Sinha said the country is fortunate to have Modi as its leader. “The nation’s journey from the ‘fragile five’ to the top five economies certainly tells a pleasing and inspiring story. India’s current economic growth rate stands at 7.8 per cent, earning recognition as the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” he said.
He asserted that the prime minister deserves credit for infrastructure development in J-K over the past 10 to 12 years. “The discrimination in J-K has come to an end. In road infrastructure and tunnels alone, projects worth over Rs 1.5 lakh crore are currently underway. Connecting Kashmir by rail was a long-standing dream, and that dream has now been fulfilled.
“There is an atmosphere of enthusiasm across the entire country. Seeing the children in Jammu and Kashmir today, I appeal to all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to actively participate in the programmes running throughout this month and celebrate them with great joy,” Sinha said.
In Leh, nearly 1,500 citizens, including students and community leaders, participated to raise awareness against drug abuse. “On Sewa Diwas, marking the birthday of the PM, led a padyatra in Leh city, along with nearly 1,500 citizens, including students and community leaders, under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The padyatra aimed at creating awareness against the menace of drug abuse,” the Ladakh Lieutenant Governor said in a post on X.
He said the padyatra was not merely a walk; it was a powerful message of awareness, responsibility and collective resolve for a healthy and stronger society.
“PM’s vision for a strong, self-reliant India is rooted in a healthy, drug-free society. The UT administration is fully committed to zero tolerance against the drug menace,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He appealed to the local youth to choose health, reject drugs, and channelise their energy into nation-building. “Let’s pledge to make Ladakh completely Nasha Mukt,” he said.
Congratulating the newly appointed government employees, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised the Administration’s commitment to transparent and accountable recruitment. He said regular recruitment in place of ad-hoc appointments is essential for a transparent and accountable system. He said regular recruitment can progress rapidly only with a clear and robust framework.
The newly selected recruits include lecturers recently selected by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), as well as those who passed recruitment exams conducted by the Ladakh Subordinate Services Staff Selection Board (LSSSSB), Leh Autonomous Hill Development Subordinate Services Recruitment Board, and LAHDC-Kargil Subordinate Service Recruitment Board (KSSRB). Saxena said the Administration has notified or amended 27 Recruitment Rules since March 2026, creating the necessary framework for regular recruitment across various departments.
He said these administrative efforts are now translating into results on the ground. Since March 2026, more than 1,200 appointment orders have been issued in Ladakh, while 1,361 candidates have been recommended for appointment through the UPSC, LSSSSB and District Selection Boards.
He said recruitment to 1,507 posts is in the pipeline for 2026.
Saxena highlighted that employment opportunities extend beyond fresh recruitment and include career growth for those already in government service. He said 726 promotions have been made through Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) so far in 2026. In an earlier birthday message, Saxena extended greetings to the prime minister and praised his leadership and commitment to the welfare of marginalised sections, women’s empowerment and employment opportunities for youth.
“Warm birthday greetings to the prime minister. Your dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the marginalised, empowerment of women and employment to every youth, is an inspiration for the entire generation to contribute meaningfully to the larger vision of Viksit Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
On behalf of the people of Ladakh, Saxena also thanked the government for empowering the newest Union Territory of Ladakh and integrating it into the nation’s growth story like never before.
“Wishing you good health and strength to keep guiding the new India,” he said.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor said the month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan,’ starting September 17, will be dedicated to the prime minister’s 25 years of dedicated and selfless public service. “Under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan,’ 12 service programmes, including ‘Seva Diwas,’ cleanliness drives, blood donation camps, medical camps, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, assistance to Divyangjan and youth programmes, will be organised across the UT. I call upon citizens to participate actively and devote themselves to the selfless service of the community,” Sinha said.
He visited Child Care Institution Palaash and Pareesha at Nishat on the outskirts of the city on Modi’s birthday, where he celebrated with children by distributing gifts and cutting a cake.
LG Sinha celebrates PM’s birthday with children at Srinagar homes
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday with children at the ‘Palaash’ and ‘Pareesha’ children’s homes in Srinagar and launched the month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, which will continue till October 17.
The Lieutenant Governor distributed school bags, sports kits and sweets among the children and reviewed the facilities being provided at the residential homes. He later visited the Children’s Hospital at Bemina, where he interacted with young patients and wished them a speedy recovery.
Speaking on the occasion, Sinha said the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan marks 25 years of Prime Minister Modi’s public service and will include a series of activities over the next month. These include school competitions on the theme “Mere Sapno Ka Bharat”, programmes honouring Anganwadi and ASHA workers, plantation drives, youth activities and registration camps under the Seva Setu Abhiyan.
He said Seva Setu Abhiyan camps would be organised at block and ward levels to facilitate registration of eligible beneficiaries under various government welfare schemes.
Referring to national development indicators, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted economic growth, welfare initiatives and infrastructure expansion undertaken during the Prime Minister’s tenure. He said Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed significant changes in connectivity and development, including rail connectivity to Kashmir and expansion of welfare schemes.
Sinha urged people across Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the service campaign and contribute towards community welfare and public service initiatives.
