PM Modi celebrates Diwali with those who sacrifice their own, but lighten everyone’s Diwali

Dehradun, November 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today celebrated Diwali with jawans of the Indian Army and ITBP, at Harsil, one of the remotest border posts in Uttarakhand. Greeting the jawans on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that their devotion to duty in the remote icy heights, is enabling the strength of the nation, and securing the future and the dreams of 125 crore Indians.

 

PM Modi said, Diwali is the festival which spreads the light of goodness and dispels fear. He said, the jawans, through their commitment and discipline, are also helping to spread the sense of security and fearlessness among the people.

The Prime Minister spoke about the numerous steps being taken by the government for the strengthening of the defense sector, the welfare of ex-servicemen. He said India is taking great strides forward in the defense sector. He spoke of various measures being taken for the welfare of ex-servicemen, including OROP (One Rank, One Pension).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted how Indian forces are admired globally for their skills. He said that the Indian Armed Forces draw admiration and appreciation across the world, in UN peacekeeping operations. The Prime Minister offered sweets to the jawans.

 

PM Modi recalled that he has been visiting soldiers on Diwali, ever since he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He also spoke of his interactions with the jawans of ITBP, years ago when he was part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. He also interacted with people from nearby areas who had gathered to greet him on Diwali.

The Prime Minister offered prayers at Kedarnath shrine in Rudraprayag district this morning. He also reviewed the ongoing development works in Kedarpuri.

PM Modi also thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his Diwali greetings. Mr Netanyahu greeted Mr Modi and the people of India on the joyous occasion.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will celebrate Diwali today at Andra La-Omkar and Anini in Arunachal Pradesh with Indian troops deployed in the forward posts.

The high altitude post of Andrala Omkar is 35 to 40 kilometers away from the nearest road head. Mrs Sitharaman will also meet and interact with the families of the martyrs. She will be handing over paintings of school children to soldiers as Diwali gifts. The Defence Minister yesterday reached Dinjan Army Cantt in Assam. She also felicitated Veer Naaris (War Widows) and Army veterans there.

President Ramnath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted the people on Diwali.

In his message, President Kovind said, Deepawali is an opportunity to foster fraternity and unity among all citizens. He said Deepawali guides people from darkness to light. Mr Kovind also urged all citizens to commit themselves to a pollution-free and safe Deepawali.

The Vice President said, Deepawali signifies the victory of Good over Evil and reaffirms the faith in the noble qualities that Lord Rama embodied. He hoped that the festival will bring illumination, peace, prosperity and happiness in the lives of people.