PM Modi pens note on mother Heeraben's 100th birthday, recalls childhood memories

"Maa...this isn't just a word; it encapsulates a variety of feelings. My Mother Heeraba celebrates her 100th birthday today, June 18th. On this great day, I've written a few comments expressing delight and thankfulness," the prime leader tweeted with the text.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on Saturday morning to commemorate his mother's 100th birthday. The PM added in a tweet alongside his mother, Hiraba, that while age has taken its toll on her physical health, she is as cognitively aware as ever. He also published a blog on his mother's remarkable life.

"Maa...this isn't just a word; it encapsulates a variety of feelings. My Mother Heeraba celebrates her 100th birthday today, June 18th. "On this great day, I've written a few comments expressing delight and thankfulness," the prime leader tweeted with the text.

Hirabaen, who was born on June 18, 1923, resides in Raysan village, on the outskirts of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with PM Modi's younger brother Pankaj Modi.

The prime minister's crusade for cleanliness appears to have been motivated by his mother's everyday activities.

"...Her commitment on hygiene is obvious even now," said PM Modi. He said, "Whenever I visit her in Gandhinagar, she makes me sweets with her own hands. And, like a devoted mother, she brings out a napkin and wipes my face when I finish eating. She always tucks a napkin or little towel into her saree."

"I have no doubt that my parents are responsible for everything positive in my life and everything excellent in my character. As I sit in Delhi today, I am overcome with recollections from the past," the Prime Minister stated.

"Mother has always motivated me to have a strong commitment and focus on garib kalian," the PM added, sharing several experiences from her life.

On this occasion, it was decided to name a road in Gandhinagar after PM Modi's mother in order "to preserve her name alive forever and for future generations to learn lessons of service." 

In an official release, Gandhinagar Mayor Hitesh Makwana stated, "PM Narendra Modi's mother Hiraba is turning 100 years old, and taking into consideration the demand and feelings of the people of the state capital, it has been decided to name the 80 Mtr road from Raysan Petrol pump as 'Pujya Hiraba Marg'."