New Delhi: The 82-year-old Bilkis Bano who had earned the title “Dadi of Shaheen Bagh” during staging the protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the national capital, has exclaimed that PM Modi is like her son and that she prays for his long and healthy life.
TIME Magazine included ‘Bilkis Dadi’ to be one among the 100-most influential global personalities. She stated, “I am very happy that I was honoured in this manner. Although I did not expect this.”
It also include the names such as Bollywood actors Ayushman Khurana, biologist Ravinder Gupta and Indian origin Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the list of `100 Most Influential People of 2020` that was released on Wednesday and features pioneers, artists, leaders, icons and titans who have had the most impact in 2020.
Last year, the Modi government passed the Citizenship Amendment Act, after which protests were held across the country. The demonstrations at Shaheen Bagh became the hallmark of the entire movement across country.
Further Bilkis Dadi added, “I have read only the Quran Sharif and I have never been to school but today I feel excited and happy. I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi for also being included in this list. He is also my son. So what if I did not give birth to him, my sister has given birth to him. I pray for his long life and happiness,”
Bilkis Dadi, who along with two other grandmothers emerged as the face of NRC-CAA protest, hails from Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. She currently lives in Shaheen Bagh with her daughters-in-law and grandchildren. The family of Bilkis Dadi also expressed their excitement on her being recognised among the world`s most influential people including Prime Minister Modi.
Apart from this, TIME magazine has also included big leaders like US President Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Angela Merkel, Nancy Paulosi in their list of most influential leader.