Seva Paksha and Namo Yuva Run: India Celebrates PM Modi’s 75th Birthday with Service and Fitness

India is preparing to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday in a unique way. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the nation will observe “Seva Paksha” (Service Fortnight) from September 17, the Prime Minister’s birthday, until October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This initiative aims to channel the spirit of service, public responsibility, and collective nation-building during the two-week period.

Across states, programs will be organized to promote community service, public health, education, and civic engagement. In Delhi, the government has already unveiled an ambitious plan that aligns with this mission, including the inauguration of new hospitals, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and projects across housing, sanitation, and education. These efforts underline the symbolic connection between Gandhi’s philosophy of service and Modi’s vision of citizen-led development.

Mansukh Mandaviya said from PM Modi's birthday on September 17 to Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary on October 2, the country will observe Seva Paksha' | NDTV

The Launch of Namo Yuva Run

Running parallel to Seva Paksha is the “Namo Yuva Run”, a fitness campaign led by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). Scheduled for September 21, this event is expected to become the largest coordinated youth run in Indian history. It will take place in 75 Indian cities, with an anticipated participation of nearly one million runners. The Indian diaspora will also host similar events in 75 global cities, extending the campaign’s reach across continents.

The Namo Yuva Run emphasizes three core themes—fitness, a drug-free lifestyle, and the promotion of indigenous products. The campaign has been positioned as a call to youth for both physical strength and moral responsibility. By choosing running as the central activity, organizers highlight discipline, endurance, and commitment, qualities that reflect the Prime Minister’s own emphasis on wellness and active living.

A Message Against Addiction and for Swadeshi

Beyond its fitness focus, the Namo Yuva Run carries a strong social message. Its slogan, “For a Nasha Mukt Bharat,” positions the run as a rallying cry against drug abuse. BJYM leaders have pointed to a significant rise in drug seizures in recent years, crediting the government’s firm stance against narcotics. The campaign thus seeks to raise awareness while encouraging young Indians to pledge themselves to a healthier lifestyle.

At the same time, the run advocates for Swadeshi, encouraging citizens to prefer Indian-made goods and reduce dependency on foreign products. By linking the physical act of running to these broader causes, the campaign creates a holistic message of strength, self-reliance, and service.

Voices of Endorsement

Union Minister Mandaviya noted that Prime Minister Modi has always asked citizens to dedicate themselves to duty as the best birthday gift they could give him. He described Seva Paksha and the Namo Yuva Run as collective contributions to Modiji’s vision of a new India. BJYM President Tejasvi Surya added that the scale of the run would mark it as a historic event in youth participation.

Fitness icon Milind Soman, who has been appointed brand ambassador for the campaign, also lent his voice of support. He stressed that true fitness is about endurance and resilience rather than just appearance, praising the campaign for combining health awareness with social responsibility.

The MGMM Outlook

India is preparing to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday in a way that goes beyond traditional festivities. The observance of Seva Paksha from September 17 to October 2 reflects a deep connection between Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of service and Modiji’s vision of citizen-led nation-building. Initiatives such as the inauguration of new hospitals, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and programs for education, sanitation, and housing symbolize a collective effort to strengthen public welfare. This celebration places service at the heart of leadership, encouraging citizens to engage in meaningful contributions that align with the values of responsibility and development.

Complementing this spirit of service is the Namo Yuva Run, a massive fitness campaign uniting India’s youth under the themes of fitness, a drug-free lifestyle, and Swadeshi. With participation expected across 75 Indian cities and 75 global locations, the event not only promotes health and discipline but also reinforces national pride and resilience. By linking physical fitness with social responsibility and economic self-reliance, the campaign embodies a holistic approach to celebrating leadership—where every citizen, especially the youth, plays a role in shaping a stronger, healthier, and self-sufficient India.

(Sources: NDTV, The New Indian Express, Zeenews India)