Guwahati/Cape Town: Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday by lighting a ceremonial lamp at a Hindu temple in Cape Town, South Africa, while he was attending an international parliamentary conference.
Dass lit the diya at the Vishnu Temple of Hindu Seva Samaj in Gatesville, Cape Town, on September 17. According to his statement, he offered prayers for Prime Minister Modi’s health, long life and continued service to the country.
The ceremony took place as political leaders and organisations across India observed Modi’s birthday through a range of programmes, including the ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ lamp-lighting initiative.
Why Dass Lit the Diya in Cape Town
Dass is currently in South Africa to attend the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, being held in Cape Town from September 13 to 19.
In his statement, the Assam Speaker explained that he conducted the lamp-lighting ceremony in Cape Town because of the time difference between India and South Africa. He also referred to his schedule at the ongoing parliamentary conference.
He said his prayers were for Modi’s continued health, longevity and ability to serve the country.
‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ Campaign Across Assam
The Cape Town ceremony coincided with a wider lamp-lighting campaign in Assam.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had appealed to people across the state to light diyas or candles on September 17 as part of the birthday observances. Events were reported from several locations across Assam.
The initiative was referred to as ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’, with participants being encouraged to light lamps as a symbolic gesture and offer prayers for the Prime Minister.
The BJP had also promoted the lamp-lighting initiative nationally as part of its birthday-related programmes.
Modi Turns 76
Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76 on September 17, 2026.
The birthday was accompanied by messages from political leaders, public figures and organisations across the country. Several programmes were also organised to mark Modi’s public service career.
According to reports, the celebrations are connected with a broader month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, scheduled from September 17 to October 17. The programme includes activities focused on public service, welfare and community initiatives.
Assam Links Birthday Observances With Public Programmes
In Assam, the birthday observances were accompanied by several public initiatives.
The state government announced financial assistance of around ₹278 crore for young entrepreneurs under the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan, according to local reports. The initiative is aimed at supporting young people in establishing and expanding businesses.
The combination of public-service programmes and birthday-related activities has made September 17 a significant day for political and community events across Assam.
Dass’ Visit to South Africa
The lamp-lighting ceremony took place during Dass’ participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference has brought together parliamentary representatives from Commonwealth countries to discuss issues concerning parliamentary democracy, international law and cooperation.
The conference’s theme is “Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership.”
Indian parliamentary representatives are also participating in the conference, which provides an international platform for legislators and presiding officers to exchange views on contemporary challenges facing democratic institutions.
India-South Africa Parliamentary Engagement
Dass’ presence in Cape Town comes as India and South Africa continue parliamentary and diplomatic engagement.
India and South Africa maintain longstanding bilateral relations, including cooperation through platforms such as BRICS and IBSA. The two countries re-established diplomatic relations in 1993, while their strategic partnership was formalised through the Red Fort Declaration in 1997.
The Indian-origin community in South Africa is also significant, with the High Commission of India estimating the community at approximately 1.7 million people.
A Birthday Observance Far From Home
The lamp-lighting ceremony in Cape Town added an international dimension to the birthday observances taking place across India.
While celebrations and public programmes were organised in Assam and other parts of the country, Dass participated in the occasion from South Africa, where he is engaged in parliamentary proceedings.
His Cape Town ceremony also coincided with broader efforts by Assam’s political leadership and organisations to mark the Prime Minister’s birthday through lamp-lighting, prayers and public-service activities.
