New Delhi: A slew of events took off on Wednesday with the involvement of Delhi’s chief minister, Rekha Gupta, and her cabinet, who celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s 75th birthday with gusto.Gupta inaugurated the Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan at Central Vista on Kartavya Path. She also flagged off the NAMO Sugamya Rath, a vehicle to be used for spreading awareness and facilitating accessibility initiatives.She said the initiative would be a financial assistance scheme for persons with disabilities who need the daily support of caregivers. Under this scheme, companions or caregivers are eligible to receive a monthly allowance of Rs 6,000 from govt. This move aims to empower persons with disabilities by ensuring that they have the necessary assistance to lead a dignified life.“Accessibility is not just a facility, but a right,” Gupta said. “Our govt is dedicated to fulfilling every demand and suggestion put forth by persons with disabilities.” Earlier in the day, she and her cabinet colleagues donated blood at a camp on Kartavya Path.The BJP-led Delhi govt is celebrating the Prime Minister’s birthday as Sewa Pakhwada. “Every drop of our blood is dedicated to the country. We follow the Prime Minister’s message of service. I donated the first unit of blood at the camp following the saying ‘practice what you preach’,” Gupta said.“Prime Minister Narendra Modi did a lot for Delhi…. It is for the first time here that people are saying “Thank you Modiji’ from this stage,” CM said. She also expressed gratitude that PM Modi has “given the city Yashobhoomi and Bharat Mandapam, and good road connectivity.Health minister Pankaj Singh wished PM good health and a long life. His cabinet colleague, Kapil Mishra, said: “Later in the day, multiple services will be dedicated to people at the Thyagraj Stadium event.” The ministers also participated in the Sewa Sankalp Walk on Kartavya Path. CM Gupta also did a little jig with folk dancers from Maharashtra. Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also shook a leg to dhol beats. Slogans of “Prime Minister Narendra Modi zindabad” and “Thank You Modiji” were raised.Home minister Ashish Sood said PM Modi is counted among the most popular leaders of the country. His colleague Parvesh Verma said: “Everyone is wishing PM Modi on his birthday in their own way. I also wish him and pray for his good health and long life.”Earlier in the day, Sirsa and Mishra offered prayers at Marghat Wale Hanuman Mandir and Gurdwara Bangla Sahib for PM’s long life.Mishra organised a recital of Hanuman Chalisa at the temple in Kashmere Gate. “We have come to Marghat Wale Hanuman Mandir. We pray to Lord Hanuman for his long life and protection,” Mishra said. Sirsa said: “From the time he has become the Prime Minister, Bharat’s name has been recognised around the world.”
