Vadnagar railway station where Modi used to sell tea as a child (L), Jasud Pathan (70) with Modi (R)

AHMEDABAD: As Narendra Modi prepares to resume charge as Prime Minister for a second term, his schoolmate in Vadnagar, Jasud Pathan (70) is readying to visit the Ajmer Sharif dargah for thanksgiving as he feels his poll-eve prayers for Modi have received the divine mandate. Pathan says he had observed roza for Modi's well-being and prosperity. "My prayers have been answered again," said Pathan who studied with Modi from class 1-11. He said that in 2014 too, he had kept a vow praying Modi becomes Prime Minister.

Pathan feels that Modi will work towards making India stronger in his second term.

"My friend should focus on generating employment in the country to ensure no youth is jobless. The NDA government should make job creation and business development its top priorities," said Pathan.

The people of Vadnagar, Modi's hometown, have begun decorating the streets, preparing sweets, offering prayers, and fasting - all to celebrate his win. Nagji Desai, 70, another childhood friend of Modi, has planned a yagna at Hatkeshwar temple in the city.

Desai had distributed 80kg of sweets in 2014 to celebrate Modi's victory. He was Modi's classmate in Class X. Desai said that there were plans to weigh the PM against sugar in 2014 but the plan did not materialize. "Over the past few years, I have gone to Delhi twice to meet PM Modi," Desai said. "I have never taken an appointment. However, he has always given me a warm welcome."

Sunil Mehta, the ex-president of Vadnagar nagarpalika, says many people in the town have pledged to walk to the holy shrine of Ambaji to thank the goddess for Modi's victory. "Firecrackers will be set off and sweets and tea will be distributed," Mehta said. "Vadnagar is eagerly waiting for Modi's second term as Prime Minister."

Vadnagar has transformed in recent years. During Modi's tenure as chief minister of Gujarat , Vadnagar was declared a heritage town and its roads became better, say locals.

Colleges, including a medical institute, have been built. While the revival of Sharmistha lake was undertaken in 2003, a riverfront project has been proposed last year.

The Indian Railways has developed a heritage railway station in Vadnagar and the Tana-Riri memorial is also getting a makeover.

Vadnagar has also become a part of the Buddhist tourism circuit following the excavation of Buddhist monuments dating back to 2,200 years. Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang wrote about Vadnagar 1,400 years ago.

