Lamps, blood drive mark Modi’s 25 years
There is a particular kind of civic choreography that grips Delhi when the Government decides a date must be remembered, and Thursday will see it in full flourish. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday urged Delhiites to light “Aashirwad Ka Diya” (earthen lamp of blessing) on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday on September 17 to pray for his good health, long life and continued strength.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will light 1.25 lakh diyas along Kartavya Path, Sewa Teerth and the New Parliament at 7 pm, open its veins for a blood drive at Thyagaraj Stadium, and chant prayers through a 108-kund yagya. The BJP and the Delhi Government will organise various programmes as part of “Sewa Sankalp Abhiyan” from September 17 to October 17. The chief minister earlier announced the launch of various projects worth Rs 13,800 crore during the month-long campaign.
The Rekha Gupta Government will run four major programmes on Thursday under the banner of service, dedication and public participation, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced. Beyond the day itself, the Government will run a month-long “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan” during which projects related to transport, roads, sewerage, water treatment, education, electricity, public facilities and urban beautification will be inaugurated or have foundation stones laid. Inspired by the guiding principle of ‘Jan Seva Se Desh Seva’, the programme will convey a strong message of public participation and the spirit of service. The 1.25 lakh diyas lit together will symbolise citizens’ wishes, blessings, participation and commitment to serving the nation. She said the diya would symbolise citizens’ prayers and wishes for the Prime Minister Ji’s good health, long life and continued service to the nation.
At Thyagaraj Stadium, a mega blood donation camp will run from 11 am to 5 pm with a target of collecting 2,500 units, drawing participation from blood banks across 11 Delhi Government hospitals, the Army Hospital, Lady Hardinge College, Safdarjung Hospital and the Indian Red Cross Society, alongside staff from the Health Department, Delhi Police, Home Guards, Civil Defence, DTC, Revenue Department, MCD, NDMC, Delhi Fire Service, Education Department, RWAs and corporate volunteers.
At Khatu Shyam Delhi Dham on GT Karnal Road in Alipur, a 108-kund yagya will be held as a prayer for the Prime Minister’s well-being, with visually impaired children reciting the Hanuman Chalisa in chorus during the ceremony.
The Government will also launch the “Namo Shramik Seva Kendra” for workers, offering assistance with registration and renewal, document verification, application status updates, welfare scheme information and claims guidance under one roof, aimed at reducing the need for workers to make repeated visits to Government offices.