"Every Eid, mother would prepare Abbas' favourite dishes": Modi's emotional note

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned an emotional blog as his mother Heeraben turned 100 today, recollecting some special moments from his childhood he spent with her and recalling her qualities that have shaped his own mind, personality, and self-confidence.

Modi touched the feet of his mother this morning (June 18, 2022) seeking her blessings at her house in India's Gujarat state, our New Delhi correspondent writes.

Modi mentioned that his mother was extremely large-hearted. He recalled "A close friend of my father used to stay in a nearby village. After his untimely death, my father brought his friend's son, Abbas, to our home. He stayed with us and completed his studies.

"Mother was as affectionate and caring towards Abbas just like she did for all of us siblings. Every year on Eid, she used to prepare his favourite dishes. On festivals, it was commonplace for neighbourhood kids to come to our house and enjoy my mother's special preparations," according to the Indian PM.

Recalling the hardships his mother faced during her childhood, PM Modi said, "My Mother is as simple as she is extraordinary. Just like all mothers."

Reminiscing the tiny house with mud walls and clay tiles for a roof where Narendra Modi had stayed with his parents and siblings, the PM spoke about how his mother not only did all household chores by herself but also worked to supplement the meagre household income. She used to wash utensils at a few houses and take out time to spin the 'charkha' to help meet the household expenses.

"During the rains, our roof would leak, and the house would flood. Mother would place buckets and utensils below the leaks to collect the rainwater. Even in this adverse situation, Mother would be a symbol of resilience," Modi wrote.

Modi said his mother had accompanied him on only two occasions: once, at a public function in Ahmedabad when she applied 'tilak' on his forehead after his return from Srinagar where he had hoisted the national flag at Lal Chowk and again when he first took oath as Gujarat's Chief Minister in 2001.

Reflecting on his mother's extremely simple lifestyle, PM Modi wrote that even today, there are no assets in his mother's name. "I have never seen her wear any gold ornaments and she has no interest either. Like earlier, she continues to lead an extremely simple lifestyle in her small room."

Modi said his mother not only respects others' choices but also refrains from imposing her preferences and said his mother gave him full support when he decided to leave his home long ago. Understanding his desires and blessing him, his mother said, "Do as your mind says."