President Ram Nath Kovind's 75th birthday

Wishes poured in for President Ram Nath Kovind on his 74th birthday this morning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were among the first few leaders who greeted him.

"Greetings to Rashtrapati Ji on his birthday. India has gained significantly from his insights and understanding of policy matters. One can always see his passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden. May Almighty bless him with long and healthy life," tweeted PM Modi. 

Ram Nath Kovind was born on 1 October 1945, in Paraunkh village in the Kanpur Dehat district of Uttar Pradesh, as the youngest of five brothers and two sisters. His father Maikulal Kovind ran a small shop. Kovind was born in a mud hut, which eventually collapsed. He was only five when his mother died of burns when their thatched dwelling caught fire. Kovind later donated the land to the community. 

Kovind worked in the Delhi Free Legal Aid Society, and he also served (1971–75, 1981) as general secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Koli Samaj, an organization serving the interests of the Koli community, a Dalit subcaste.

From 1977 to 1979 he was a union government advocate in the Delhi High Court, and in 1978 he became an advocate-on-record of India’s Supreme Court. In 1980 Kovind advanced to the position of union government standing counsel in the Supreme Court, and he practised there until 1993. In addition, he served (1977–78) as the executive assistant to Prime Minister Morarji Desai.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu greeted President Ram Nath Kovind on his 75th birthday on Thursday, saying he is known for his simplicity, warmth and concern for the poor.

"I convey my heartiest greetings to the Hon'ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji on his birthday today. He is known for his simplicity, warmth, vision, exemplary leadership and concern for the poor," the Vice President Secretariat said in a tweet, quoting Naidu. "May he be blessed with good health and long life," the vice president said.

BJP national president JP Nadda said, "Warm birthday greetings to the President of India Hon’ble Ram Nath Kovind Ji. His simplicity, relentless hard work & regular outreach is very inspiring. May God bless him with good health & long life in the service of the Nation."