In a sweeping gesture of public outreach and service, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a fortnight-long campaign titled ‘Seva Pakhwada’, to be held across India from September 17 to October 2. The initiative, unveiled by BJP Himachal Pradesh President Dr Rajeev Bindal, is designed to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday and culminate on Gandhi Jayanti. The campaign blends grassroots engagement with national pride, spotlighting service, sustainability, and self-reliance.
Key highlights of the campaign:
1. Dates and Occasion
- Seva Pakhwada will run from September 17 (PM Modi’s birthday) to October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti)
- The campaign is a tribute to the Prime Minister’s commitment to public service and national development
2. Pan-India Activities
- Blood donation camps and health check-up drives will be organized in urban and rural pockets
- Cleanliness campaigns under Swachh Bharat will be intensified, with special drives in public spaces, schools, and hospitals
- Tree plantation events will be held under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, encouraging citizens to dedicate a tree to their mothers
3. Cultural and Commemorative Events
- Celebrations of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Jayanti will honor his philosophy of integral humanism
- Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti will be marked with exhibitions, community dialogues, and youth-led initiatives
- Documentaries and book distributions centered on PM Modi’s life and leadership will be showcased in select venues
4. Social Inclusion and Empowerment
- Felicitation ceremonies for differently-abled individuals and local heroes will recognize their contributions
- Distribution of assistive devices and welfare kits to persons with disabilities is planned in multiple districts
- Awareness drives on Aatmanirbhar Bharat will promote local entrepreneurship and indigenous products
5. Youth and Sports Engagement
- Sports competitions under the ‘Sansad Khel Mahotsav’ banner will foster youth participation and fitness
- Marathons and fitness challenges will be held in collaboration with local sports bodies and schools
6. Delhi-Specific Announcements
- Delhi BJP, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, will launch 75 welfare schemes during Seva Pakhwada
- These include the inauguration of 150 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, five new hospitals, and initiatives in education, housing, and transport
- The schemes are positioned as a direct response to recent political controversies and as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to public welfare
7. Organizational Mobilization
- BJP leaders, MPs, MLAs, and grassroots workers are expected to actively participate and lead local events
- A central committee headed by BJP General Secretary Sunil Bansal has been formed to coordinate activities nationwide
- District-level workshops, like the one held in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, are being conducted to finalize logistics and ensure broad participation
8. Political Undercurrents
- Dr Bindal, while addressing party workers, criticized the Congress-led Himachal government’s disaster relief efforts, framing BJP’s service campaign as a contrast to what he termed anti-people policies
- The campaign also serves as a platform for BJP to reinforce its ideological messaging and grassroots connect ahead of upcoming elections
Conclusion
Seva Pakhwada is more than a celebratory gesture—it’s a strategic blend of service, symbolism, and political messaging. By aligning the campaign with national icons and public welfare, BJP aims to deepen its engagement with citizens while reinforcing its narrative of inclusive development and cultural pride.
Sources: The Tribune India, CNBC Awaaz, NDTV India
