Prime Minister

Kamlesh Modi

Narendrabhai

women

As the nation celebratesNarendra Modi’s birthday with great fanfare, it is another day of devotion for his wife Jashodaben, who stays with her family in Brahmanvada near Unjha. Joyous that Modi’s birthday coincided with Ganesh Chaturthi this year, she said he is a “complete god” for her. For his success and happiness, the PM’s wife observed fast the entire day and organised Anand nu Garbo on Thursday evening at the same house where Modi’s baraat (wedding procession) arrived several decades ago.Like every other day, Jashodaben’s day began at 5 am. She visited all 10 temples in town including those of Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, Virai Mata, Goga Maharaj etc. Jashodaben told Mirror, “Like every day, I prayed for his good health, long life and happiness. I prayed for his success as prime minister.” Joy, devotion and earnestness were writ large on her face as she visited temple after temple praying with single-minded focus.She later told Mirror, “Whatever some people might say, to me he is God. I pray for his success as prime minister, good health, long life and happiness. He should grow, prosper and benefit the nation. “I want my husband to be praised and appreciated. I want his fame and aura to grow more and more. I have nothing against him. Whether it’s his birthday or any other day, I am just praying for him. I feel happy to be his wife.”She also jotted down her prayers and wishes for her husband in a letter in Gujarati. Her younger brothersaid, “She keeps a photo ofwith her always. Whenever any news regarding Narendrabhai comes on TV, she watches it attentively. She reads reports about him in newspapers. When we ask her why she is still so attached to him, she asks that if her husband can devote his entire life to the nation, why cannot she make such a sacrifice?”Jashodaben also organized a special religious event called Anand nu Garbo on Thursday. Unlike the garba witnessed in big cities during Navratri, Anand nu Garbo is more religious and traditional in character. Around 3.15 pm on Thursday, she went around the neighbourhood remindingabout the garbo which was scheduled at her brother’s house at 4.30 pm. Though she had invited them on Wednesday, she reminded them about the event again. Jashodaben said, “It’s the same house where my husband had brought his jaan several decades ago. The place has a special significance for me.”The women gathered at Jashodaben’s younger brother Kamlesh Modi’s house and the garbo began. The women sang bhajans, offered prayers and sought special favours from the gods. Kamlesh told Mirror, “The garbo was organized at the same venue where Jashodaben was married to Narendrabhai. After Narendrabhai left her, my father asked Jashodaben if she wanted to marry again. However, she said she was already married and had accepted Narendrabhai as her husband, so she will not marry again.”