The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, led a grand celebration in Dibrugarh on Wednesday to mark Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday. The event coincided with the nationwide launch of the “Swasth Nari – Sabal Pariwar Abhiyan” and the eighth Rashtriya Poshan Maah.

From Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Modi dedicated the initiatives to the nation, emphasising his vision for robust healthcare, improved nutrition, and stronger families. In Dibrugarh, Union Minister Sonowal oversaw a day-long programme bringing together citizens, healthcare providers, women’s groups, and community leaders, reinforcing Assam’s commitment to the prime minister’s transformative agenda.

The local celebrations featured free health check-ups, distribution of essential medicines, and a voluntary blood donation camp, designed to raise awareness about preventive healthcare, nutrition, and community service.

“Today is not just the birthday of the world’s most popular leader, but also a day for India to recommit to good health, strong families, and women-led development,” Shri Sonowal said. “As a son of Assam, it fills me with pride to see Dibrugarh contributing wholeheartedly to this national movement. On behalf of the people here, I extend my heartfelt wishes to our prime minister on his 75th birthday.”

A highlight of the event was the tree plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, encouraging citizens to plant trees in honour of their mothers. Shri Sonowal emphasised the cultural and environmental duty of preserving Assam’s green heritage.

Women’s participation was central to the celebrations, reflecting PM Modi’s emphasis on Nari Shakti. Shri Sonowal cited an inspiring example from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where two women sailed across 50,000 kilometres, demonstrating courage and resilience. “Their journey shows nothing is impossible for determined women. Our PM has made women’s empowerment a governance cornerstone, from ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ to maternal health programmes and economic inclusion,” he said.

Shri Sonowal also engaged with doctors, nurses, health workers, and mothers at the health camp, appreciating their dedication. “A healthy society is the foundation of a strong nation. Today’s efforts reflect the collective spirit of building a fitter, stronger, and resilient India,” he noted.

The minister highlighted that the ‘Swasth Nari – Sabal Pariwar Abhiyan’ is more than a healthcare initiative; it is a societal mission. By tackling obesity, strengthening nutrition, and promoting voluntary blood donation, the campaign aims to advance the PM’s vision of a healthy, empowered India.

The event included several dignitaries such as MLA Chakradhar Gogoi, Motok Development Council CEO David Chetia, Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Bikram Kairi, Dibrugarh Development Authority Chairman Asim Hazarika, social workers Dulal Bora and Sushil Tasa, Mamun Gogoi Mitra, and Zilla Parishad Chairperson Pushpanjali Sonowal, demonstrating broad community support.