PM Modi's tank ride at Longewala
Continuing the tradition of spending Diwali with soldiers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday celebrated the festival with the jawans of the Western border. In his address to the soldiers, Prime Minister Modi saluted the valour of the security forces as he remembered the Battle of Longewala. Sending warning signals to Pakistan and China, he said the entire world knew that India won't compromise on its interests even one bit. The prime minister, addressing troops at the Longewala border, said that the whole world felt troubled by the "expansionist forces" that show a "distorted mindset".
Modi was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat, Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Rakesh Asthana and Army Chief MM Naravane at Longewala, originally a BSF Post and a strategic point en route to capturing vast tracts of land and also a pivotal theatre of war in engaging India on the western front during the 1971 War. Since assuming office in 2014, the prime minister has been celebrating Diwali by spending time with soldiers in forward areas in states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. ALSO READ | This Diwali, let us light a 'diya' to salute our soldiers who fearlessly protect our nation: PM Modi
HIGHLIGHTS
2:30 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributes sweets among jawans during his visit to Longewala, Jaisalmer. PM Modi's tank ride at Longewala
2:20 pm: PM Modi rides on a tank in Longewala. PM Modi distributes sweets among jawans at Longewala
2:14 pm: Our Air Force was at the forefront in rescuing people from Wuhan (China). There were some countries that left their people stranded in Wuhan, we not only rescued our people but also helped other countries.
2:06 pm: The Indian Armed Forces worked on a war footing during COVID-19 pandemic and contributed at every level ensuring availability of masks, sanitizers, PPE kits, medical equipment, and hospitals in the country.
1:58 pm: A major impediment to modernising Indian Army & the provision of equipment to its soldiers was red-tape of complex procedures. Now the process has been simplified. To coordinate this better the Chief of Defence Staff has been inducted into the hierarchy of Armed Forces
1:58 pm: While the Indian Armed Forces are capable of dealing with the enemies, they're at the forefront to help people during disasters. The role played by Air Force & Navy in rescuing people who were stranded in other countries due to COVID is praiseworthy
1:49 pm: Today, country's Army is engaged in military exercises with other big countries. We are engaged in strategic partnerships to fight against terrorism.
1:30 pm: If anyone casts an evil eye on us, our soldiers reply to them befittingly. This establishes the credibility of Indian Army in the world. Today, country's Army is engaged in military exercises with other big countries.
12:00 pm: I'd like to implore 3 points to the armed forces. First is to continue ingenuity by innovating; second is to practice yog; third is to learn another language other than their mother tongue & English. This will help ingrain new perspectives and enthusiasm in them.
11:58 am: With wearing masks these days due to COVID, people are realising the difficulty and the resilience it takes to dawn military gear and serve postings in difficult conditions. This realisation is making our countrymen resolve to be more disciplined.
11:56 am: Today the strategy of India is clear. Today's India believes in the policy of understanding and making others understand. But if attempts are made to test us, the reply they receive is intense.
11:55 am: This repute and stature of India is all due to your strength and valour. India is clearly presenting its opinions on international fora today because you've secured the nation
11:53 am: India is working rapidly to increase its defence capability and make its defence sector Atmanirbhar. We have decided to focus on the indigenous arms factory. This one decision of the defence sector propelled 130 crore Indians to work towards vocal for local doctrine.
11:50 am: Entire world feels troubled by expansionist forces, expansionism shows a distorted mindset.
11:48 am: India has shown it has strength and political will to give befitting reply those challenging it.
11:46 am: World now knows that India will not compromise with its interests even one bit.
11:45 am: 130 Crore Indians are standing with you. Every Indian is proud of the strength and valour of our soldiers. They are proud of your invincibility.
11:41 am: Whenever history on the excellence of soldiers will be written and read, the Battle of Longewala will be remembered.
11:40 am: 1971 war against Pak example of exemplary coordination among Army, Navy and Air Force
11:38 am: "Aaj Bharat aatank ke aakaon ko ghar mein ghus kar maarta hai"
11:37 am: Be it the peaks of the Himalayas, the stretch of desert, dense forests or the depths of seas - your valour has always triumphed in every challenge.
11:36 am: No power in the world can stop our security forces from protecting the nation.
11:30 am: You may be at the snow-capped mountains or in deserts, my Diwali is complete only when I come between you. My happiness doubles when I look at the joy on your faces.
11:28 am: India is proud of our forces, who protect our nation courageously.
11:27 am: I would like to extend my Diwali greeting. I have brought the greetings of every Indian among you today.
11:25 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses jawans at Longewala border in Jaisalmer.
This morning, the prime minister greeted the nation on the occasion of Diwali and wished everyone to be prosperous and healthy. "सभी देशवासियों को दीपावली की हार्दिक मंगलकामनाएं। Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali! May this festival further brightness and happiness. May everyone be prosperous and healthy," Modi said in a tweet Saturday morning.
Earlier on Friday, PM Modi asks the citizens to light a 'diya' as a tribute to soldiers who are protecting the nation. He said words can't do justice to the sense of gratitude all have for the soldiers for their exemplary courage and sacrifice.
