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Manmohan Singh turns 74, spends day working

New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh turned 74 Tuesday and spent his day like any other - working.

President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat were among those who sent Manmohan Singh flowers to wish him on his 75th birthday, while Congress president Sonia Gandhi called him to convey her best wishes.

Some governors, like Surjit Singh Barnala of Tamil Nadu, also greeted the prime minister and sent him birthday greetings, officials said.

"A few ministers did come in the morning to wish the prime minister. Otherwise, it has been a usual day for him. He also addressed scientists and gave away prizes," said an aide in the Prime Minister's Office.

"He does not believe in celebrating his birthdays. He will be spending a quiet evening with his family. That's the only luxury he has afforded himself," the aide added. The prime minister and his wife Gursharan have three daughters.

Manmohan Singh was born Sep 26, 1932 in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India. The Oxford and Cambridge-educated, professor-turned-politician became India's 14th prime minister on May 22, 2004.