Here is all about Abbas, the childhood friend PM Modi mentioned in his blog
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Ahmedabad: Netizens have been curious to know more about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's childhood friend ever since he was mentioned in an emotional blog post written by the PM on the occasion of his mother's 100th birthday.
In his blog penned on June 18, the prime minister had mentioned how his father Damodardas had brought his friend's son Abbas to their home after the death of Abbas' father.
The blog, titled 'Mother', reads: "A close friend of my father used to stay in a nearby village. After his untimely death, my father brought his friend's son, Abbas, to our home. He stayed with us and completed his studies. Mother was as affectionate and caring towards Abbas just like she did for all of us siblings. Every year on Eid, she used to prepare his favourite dishes."
Now, one of the Prime Minister's brothers Pankajbhai has identified a picture of Abbas and added that he currently lives in Australia.
Speaking to Indian Express, Pankajbhai recalls Abbas as a "noble man" from Mehsana's Kesimpa village as "a family member". Now, 64 and retired from Gujarat government, he lives in Sydney with his younger son. The family recalls Abbas fondly and Modi's elder brother, Somabhai, adds that he lived with them for two years.
Abbas was a classmate and friend of Pankaj Modi, the youngest of the Modi siblings.
"When Pankaj learned that Abbas might have to leave his studies midway due to the untimely death in his family, Pankaj urged my parents to do something for his friend. Without any hesitation, my father brought him to our house to ensure that he finishes his education. He stayed with us till the completion of his matriculation," said Prahlad Modi, another sibling of PM.
According to him, Abbas lived with the Modi family for almost four years in the early 70s and became like a family member.
Remembering those days, Prahlad Modi said their parents had told Abbas that he was free to follow his religious practice and also allowed him to offer namaz at their home.
"Our family always believed in religious harmony. He was like our younger brother. Abbas used to play Garba with us during Navratri too," said Prahlad Modi.
