Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended birthday greetings to former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Warm birthday greetings to former Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu Garu. Throughout his distinguished public life, he has made a mark for his steadfast commitment to national development and serving the downtrodden. His passion for agriculture and rural development is noteworthy. I always cherish the fact that I have worked together with him for several years. Praying for his long and healthy life.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings to Venkaiah Naidu on the occasion. In a post on X, HM Shah said, “Birthday greetings to Shri Venkaiah Naidu Ji. From people’s politics to the Vice President’s office, Naidu Ji set exemplary standards in upholding constitutional values and raising issues concerning citizens, inspiring generations of young leaders. Praying for his good health and a long life.”
Born on July 1, 1949, in Unguturu village of West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, Venkaiah Naidu’s political journey began during his student years. A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) swayamsevak, he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) while pursuing higher education.
Known for his exceptional oratory skills and strong advocacy for farmers and the development of backward regions, Venkaiah Naidu steadily rose in public life. His leadership and grassroots activism helped him win election to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly twice from the Udayagiri constituency in Nellore district.
Between 1996 and 2000, he served as the BJP’s national spokesperson.
Following the National Democratic Alliance’s victory in the 1999 Lok Sabha elections under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Venkaiah Naidu was appointed Union Minister for Rural Development.
After the BJP returned to power under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2014 general elections, Venkaiah Naidu was sworn in as Union Minister for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs. He subsequently held additional portfolios, including Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information and Broadcasting.
Venkaiah Naidu was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan on May 29, 2016. On July 5, 2016, he was additionally entrusted with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry while continuing to oversee his existing portfolios.
In 2017, Venkaiah Naidu was nominated as the BJP-led NDA’s candidate for the Vice President’s election. He was sworn in as the 13th Vice President of India on August 11, 2017.
Beyond politics, Venkaiah Naidu has remained actively engaged in social service through the Swarna Bharat Trust, which he founded in Nellore. The trust runs educational institutions for underprivileged, orphaned, and specially abled children, while also offering skill development and self-employment training programmes, particularly for women and youth.
Widely regarded as an articulate parliamentarian and an advocate of rural development and good governance, Venkaiah Naidu continues to be recognised for his contributions to public life, constitutional values, and nation-building.
(With IANS inputs)
