Diwali: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (November 12) celebrated Diwali with security forces at Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh and hailed them for their sacrifice and dedication towards the country. The Prime Minister said that India will be grateful to the heroes. He shared his experience of spending the day with the forces in Himachal and said that it was filled with "deep emotion and pride". "Spending Diwali with our brave security forces in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh has been an experience filled with deep emotion and pride. Away from their families, these guardians of our nation illuminate our lives with their dedication," he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
In the pictures shared by the Prime Minister, he is seen interacting with the jawans and distributing sweets among them. He also posed for a picture with the troops.
PM Modi further lauded the courage of the security forces who are deployed in the toughest terrains, staying away from their families.
"The courage of our security forces is unwavering. Stationed in the toughest terrains, away from their loved ones, their sacrifice and dedication keep us safe and secure. India will always be grateful to these heroes who are the perfect embodiment of bravery and resilience," he posted.
PM Modi addresses jawans
The Prime Minister addressed the jawans and said that a Diya is lit in evey household for their safety.
"The country is indebted to you, which is why one Diya is lit for your safety in every household. I also visit the jawans every year on Diwali with the same emotion. For me, where there are my security forces, that place is not lesser than any temple. I have not celebrated any Diwali for over 35 years that I have not celebrated it among you. When I was not the PM or CM, I visited the jawans," he said.
He said that India is secure till the Indian Armed Forces and security forces are standing on its borders.
"Wherever in the world, if an Indian is in trouble, the Indian Armed Forces and our security forces are always eager and ready to save them. India's security forces are ahead from battle to service. India is safe so long as its brave soldiers are standing on its borders, unflinching as the Himalayas," he said.
PM Modi said that the soldiers of the country have always walked at the forefront and risked their lives and proved that they are the strongest wall of the country.
"Our soldiers have always had the legacy of this brave Vasundhara, that fire in their chests, which has always created examples of bravery. Our soldiers have always walked at the forefront, risking their lives. Our soldiers have always proved that they are the strongest wall of the country on the border," PM Modi said.
PM Modi lists country's achievements
He listed out the achievements of the country in the last one year and mentioned the success of Chandrayaan-3 and launch of India's solar mission Aditya L1. The Prime Minister also hailed the growing self reliance in the defence sector.
"In recent years, over 500 women officers given permanent commission in Army. Between Diwali in 2016 and now, India's defence exports have risen eightfold; domestic defence production now Rs 1 lakh crore. India is rapidly emerging as a global player in defence sector. Now, we are moving ahead to fulfilling the defence-related needs of not only our country but also of friendly countries," he said.
PM lauds security forces for their contribution
PM Modi also lauded the security forces for their contribution to nation-building, enhancing country's global prestige.
After Independence, these brave hearts (Army personnel) fought so many wars and won the country's heart...In the International Peace Mission, India's global image was improved because of them. Is there any such issue, to which our brave hearts have not provided solution?" he said.
PM Modi reaches Lepcha
Earlier today, the Prime Minister reached Lepcha in Himachal to celebrate the occasion with the security forces. "Reached Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces," the Prime Minister posted on X, formerly Twitter, and shared his pictures. He landed at Lepcha airbase and met senior officials and jawans on Diwali.
Troops of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Indian Army are deployed to secure LAC in Himachal Pradesh.
PM's greetings on Diwali
Earlier today, PM Modi extended greetings of the occasion to the nation. "Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali! May this special festival bring joy, prosperity and wonderful health to everyone’s lives," he posted on X.
PM Modi tenth Diwali with soldiers: Timeline since 2014
This is PM Modi's tenth Diwali that he will celebrate with the soldiers and security forces. Ever since, the Prime Minister came to the office in 2014, he has been visiting the border areas to celebrate the auspacious occasion of Diwali with soldiers and security forces to boost their morale.
- 2014: The Prime Minister made a surprise visit to Siachen glacier - the world's highest battlefield - and celebrated Diwali with the armed forces.
- 2015: He visited three war memorials in Punjab and celebrated the occasion with brave jawans.
- 2016: PM Modi visited Himachal Pradesh's Sumdo where he interacted with the jawans of ITBP and the Indian Army deployed along the India-China border.
- 2017: He visited the Gurez Valley near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and spent the day with the BSF and Army.
- 2018: The Prime Minister visited Uttarakhand's Harsil and celebrated the day with the jawans of ITBP and the Indian Army.
- 2019: He met the jawans and officers of the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on the occasion.
- 2020: He celebrated the occasion with Armed Forces at Longewala in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer.
- 2021: PM Modi visited Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir and met the Indian Army personnel along the LoC.
- 2022: He visited Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir and celebrated the day with the Indian Army.
(With inputs from agencies)
