Bhubaneswar: International sand artist Manas Kumar Sahoo created a sand animation to convey his wishes to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who turned 61 on Wednesday.
“Honoured to dedicate my sand art as a heartfelt creation. May Lord Jagannath bless you with long life and good health,” he wrote.
Appreciating the gesture, Amit Shah replied: “Thank you for your wishes through a wonderful artwork.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded Shah’s efforts in ‘strengthening India’s internal security’ in his birthday greetings. “Birthday greetings to Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. He is widely admired for his dedication to public service and hardworking nature. He has made commendable efforts to strengthen India’s internal security apparatus and ensure every Indian leads a life of safety and dignity. Praying for his long and healthy life,” the prime minister said.
Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Majhi, and several other BJP leaders, and NDA allies, including Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, also greeted the BJP senior on his birthday.
The Kasturba Gandhi Kendra Trust organised an annadaanam (food donation) programme for around 1,000 poor and underprivileged people at Gandhi Road in Tirupati on the occasion.