“Jhukega Nahi” Award
BJP MP and actor Ravi Kishan recalled his first meeting with Modi, when he attempted to touch the Prime Minister’s feet. Modi stopped him, saying, “India will not bow down to anyone anymore.” Kishan also remembered Modi surprising him with a casual “How is your Mahadev?”—a line that felt straight out of a screenplay.
The Sunburn Award
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described Modi as the “shining sun of Indian politics,” a metaphor that invited both admiration and playful comparisons about the need for sunglasses.
The Sevak Special
Union Home Minister Amit Shah narrated an early lesson from Modi during a visit to Rajkot, where he learnt that a leader must always prioritise workers before himself.
The PR Slip
Chess legend Viswanathan Anand shared how Modi once hosted him over a Gujarati thali. But his tribute drew attention for a viral typo in a pre-drafted PR post, mistakenly referring to him as “Vishwanathan Anand Ji.” Though swiftly corrected, screenshots kept the gaffe alive.
Hugs in Victory and Defeat
Cricketer Mohammed Siraj recalled Modi’s comforting presence after India’s 2023 World Cup loss and his celebratory embrace after the T20 World Cup victory. Siraj said Modi stood by players in both joy and despair.
Shuttle Diplomacy
Shuttler P.V. Sindhu said Modi’s personal encouragement boosted her morale throughout her career, noting how he consistently positioned athletes as role models for Indian youth.
Business Benedictions
Industrialist Uday Kotak praised Modi’s blend of vision and humility, citing his engagements at Vibrant Gujarat summits. Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani extended wishes on behalf of his family and the business community, hailing Modi’s tireless work ethic and commitment to India’s rise as a global superpower.
The Make-Up in India
Actor R. Madhavan fondly recalled Modi recognising him in full prosthetic make-up as scientist Nambi Narayanan during the filming of Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. Modi not only spotted him but also asked about the film’s progress, leaving the actor astonished at his attention to detail.
Bollywood’s Blockbuster Wishes
Akshay Kumar called Modi “Captain” who will continue to take India to new heights. Shah Rukh Khan praised his journey from “a small city to the global stage” as a story of discipline and dedication, saying that even at 75, Modi’s energy outpaces many youths.
Breaking Protocols
Former cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth remembered Modi hugging him during the 2011 World Cup, breaking protocol and leaving a lasting impression of humility.
Grammy and Gujarat
Composer Ricky Kej credited Modi with inspiring his climate change album Shanti Samsara, later launched by the PM at the COP21 summit in Paris.
From AIIMS to Railways
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said Modi responded to his personal tragedy by sanctioning an AIIMS hospital and train connectivity for his region. Modi’s advice—that true development lives in conversations from tea stalls to train rides—became Dubey’s political mantra.
The Troll Awards
Opposition parties also weighed in. The Congress shared AI-generated content hinting at crony capitalism, while Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge used #MyModiStory to highlight unemployment, demonetisation, and farmer distress.
Modi’s Own Note
After the flood of wishes, Modi himself posted on X, saying he was “overwhelmed” by the affection. He called the wishes a “collective blessing” for the mission of building a Viksit Bharat and vowed to channel the goodwill into renewed energy for India’s progress.
