Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday wished ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on his 63rd birthday and prayed for his good health. Modi took to Twitter to wish Parrikar and appreciated the chief minister's "hardworking nature" and commitment towards the development of the coastal state.

Birthday greetings to my friend and Goa's CM @manoharparrikar Ji.

Parrikar Ji is known for his compassionate, down to earth and hardworking nature. He is extremely passionate about Goa's development.

The entire nation prays for Parrikar Ji's good health.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2018

"Birthday greetings to my friend and Goa's CM @manoharparrikarji. Parrikarji is known for his compassionate, down to earth and hardworking nature. He is extremely passionate about Goa's development," the PM tweeted. "The entire nation prays for Parrikarji's good health," he added.

Parrikar's family members, BJP workers and his well-wishers held a special prayer at the Mahalaxmi Temple in Panaji in the morning to pray for his health and speedy recovery. His elder son Utpal Parrikar, along with state BJP spokesperson and former Panaji MLA Siddharth Kunkolienkar, led the prayers at the temple.
Parrikar, who is currently recuperating at his private residence near the state capital, will not celebrate his birthday in public, but the Bharatiya Janata Party has decided to organise various events to mark the occasion.