Diwali celebrations in Lepcha: ‘Ayodhya for me is where Indian Army personnel are’, says Modi

“Reached Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces,” the prime minister tweeted and shared pictures of his interactions with armed forces personnel here.

Earlier on Sunday, the prime minister extended Diwali wishes through Twitter. “Narendra Modi tweeted, “Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali! May this special festival bring joy, prosperity and wonderful health to everyone’s lives.”

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. pic.twitter.com/Ve1OuQuZXY

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2023

Addressing the jawans, the Prime Minister remarked that the amalgamation of the festival of Diwali and the echoes of acclamation of the courage of the jawans is a moment of enlightenment for every citizen of the country. He conveyed his best wishes on Diwali along with the jawans from the border areas of India, the country’s last village, which has now been deemed the first village.

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. pic.twitter.com/KE5eaxoglw

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 12, 2023

Recounting his experience, the Prime Minister said that festivities are wherever the family is there and called the situation of being away from family on the day of the festival for safeguarding the border pinnacle of devotion to duty. He said that the feeling of treating 140 crore Indians as their family gives the security personnel a sense of purpose. “Country is grateful and indebted to you for this. That is why one ‘Diya’ is lit for your safety in every household”, he said

Addressing soldiers, Modi said that for the past 30-35 years he has been celebrating Diwali with armed forces. “It is said that Ayodhya is where Lord Ram is, but for me, Ayodhya is where Indian Army personnel are. My festival is where you are,” Modi said.

The prime minister said he would go to border areas to celebrate Diwali even when he was neither prime minister nor chief minister.

“For me, a place where our security forces are deployed is no less than a temple,” Modi said. Hailing the role of armed forces during calamities, Modi said, “When we had to pull out people from Sudan, India’s bravehearts completed the mission with courage. When there was an earthquake in Turkie, they risked lives to save people,” Modi said. “We are proud of our forces and soldiers,” the prime minister added.

“Our brave jawans have proven themselves to be the strongest wall on the border”, he said and added Armed forces have taken India’s pride to new heights. “India is safe as its borders are protected by the brave jawans with Himalaya-like determination,” the prime minister said.

Highlighting achievements of the country this year, Modi said, “The past year is a milestone year in nation-building.” Modi said India’s defence exports have increased more than eight times since his visit region to the region in 2016. “Defence production worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore is taking place in the country today. This is a record in itself,” Modi said. Modi also highlighted the commissioning of 500 women officers during the past year, women pilots flying Rafale fighter jets and the posting of women officers on warships.

Tweeting about his visit, Modi said, “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.” Modi added that the country will always be grateful to the soldiers. “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 said.

The Prime Minister concluded his address by reciting a couplet and said that every step by the armed forces determines the direction of history. He expressed confidence that the armed forces will continue to serve Mother India with the same determination and said, “With your support, the nation will continue to touch new heights of development. Together we will fulfill every resolution of the country.”