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Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his cherished Diwali tradition by spending the festive occasion with security personnel in Kachchh, Gujarat, on Friday. Since taking office in 2014, Modi has made it a point to celebrate Diwali with the armed forces, recognizing their sacrifices and dedication to the nation.
Dressed in Army uniform, Modi visited soldiers from the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy, and Air Force stationed at Lakki Nala in Sir Creek. During the celebration, he offered sweets to the personnel and conveyed his heartfelt wishes on behalf of 140 crore Indians. “The country sees in you a guarantee of security and peace, the world sees India’s power, and the enemy sees an end to evil intentions,” Modi stated, emphasizing the importance of the armed forces in safeguarding national integrity.
The Prime Minister asserted the government’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s borders, reflecting on past diplomatic efforts that aimed to compromise territorial integrity. “There was a time when a plan to usurp Sir Creek was in the works, but I opposed it as Gujarat Chief Minister. Now, we don’t trust the enemy’s words, but our soldiers’ pledge,” he remarked.
Modi’s Diwali visits have spanned various locations across the country, including Siachen in 2014, Punjab in 2015, Himachal Pradesh in 2016, Jammu and Kashmir in subsequent years, and most recently in Himachal’s Lepcha this year. His annual tradition aims to boost the morale of the troops and show appreciation for their service.
Earlier in the day, Modi also participated in National Unity Day celebrations in Gujarat, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, who played a pivotal role in India’s post-independence integration. The Prime Minister attended the grand festivities at Kewadiya, home to the Statue of Unity, announcing the initiation of two years of celebrations for Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.
Through these gestures, Modi reinforces the importance of unity and gratitude towards the armed forces, highlighting their role in ensuring peace and security for the nation during significant occasions like Diwali.
Sources By Agencies