New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday conveyed warm birthday greetings to veteran BJP leader and former Union minister Murli Manohar Joshi, praising his decades-long contribution to public life, particularly in the fields of education, culture and the promotion of India’s civilisational ethos.

Joshi, who turned 91 on Monday, has served as BJP president and represented the party in Parliament on several occasions.

In a message shared on social media platform X, the Prime Minister described Joshi as a distinguished statesman and eminent intellectual whose dedication to national service has left a lasting impact.

“Best wishes to Dr Murli Manohar Joshi Ji on his birthday. A respected leader, profound thinker and committed nationalist, his work in strengthening education, culture and India’s civilisational values has greatly enriched public life. I pray for his good health and long life,” Modi said.

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Joshi was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honour, in 2017.