Don’t celebrate my birthday, says Modi

New Delhi (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday appealed to people that his birthday should not be celebrated, and instead they should help the Jammu and Kashmir flood victims.

In an appeal on his personal Twitter account, Modi said friends and well-wishers were planning to celebrate his birthday Sep 17.

“I am hearing from different places that friends and well-wishers are planning various programmes and events for my birthday,” Modi said.

“My humble request – do not celebrate my birthday. Instead, dedicate yourselves towards relief work in J&K through your time and resources,” he said.

“The need of the hour is to stand shoulder to shoulder with our sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir,” he posted.

The prime minister added that there will be programmes Sep 17 for visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will be in Gujarat, but not for Modi’s birthday.

“On 17th, President Xi Jinping will be in Gujarat. We look forward to extending a warm welcome to him but there will be no birthday celebrations,” he said.