As his mother is entering her 100th year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today penned an emotional blog, recollecting some special moments from his childhood that he spent with her.

He recalled several sacrifices made by her as he grew up and mentioned various qualities of his mother that have shaped his mind, personality, and self-confidence.

“Today, I feel extremely happy and fortunate to share that my mother Smt. Heeraba Modi is entering her hundredth year. This is going to be her birth centenary year.” wrote PM Modi.

Recalling hardships his mother faced during her childhood, he said, “My Mother is as simple as she is extraordinary. Just like all mothers.” At a tender age, she lost her own mother. He said, “She does not even remember my grandmother’s face or the comfort of her lap. She spent her entire childhood without her mother.”

He recalled the tiny house in Vadnagar with mud walls and clay tiles for a roof where he stayed with his parents and siblings. He mentioned innumerable everyday adversities that his mother encountered and successfully overcame.

Modi mentioned 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.

PM Modi reminisced “During the rains, our roof would leak, and the house would flood. The 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”.

Cleanliness, PM Modi said, was something that his mother had always been extremely particular about. He said his mother had a deep respect for those involved in cleaning and sanitation.

The PM mentioned that his mother would find happiness in other people’s joys and 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 Mother’s special preparations.”

PM Modi mentioned that as a dutiful citizen his mother has voted in every election since the time elections began, from Panchayat to Parliament.

Reflecting on his mother’s extremely simple lifestyle, he 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.” the PM stated.

It was PM Modi’s mother who gave him full support when he had decided to leave his home. Understanding his desires and blessing him, his mother said, “Do as your mind says.” He said his mother has always inspired him to have a strong resolve and focus on ‘garib kalyan. His mother keeps assuring him that he should not worry about her and remain focused on the larger responsibilities. Whenever he speaks to her on the phone, his mother says, “Never do anything wrong or anything bad with anyone and keep working for the poor.”

PM Modi encapsulated his mother’s inspiring life story in a few words: “Far beyond every tale of deprivation is the glorious story of a mother, Far above every struggle, is the strong resolve of a mother.”