Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Diwali this year with the country’s armed forces at Lakki Nala in the Sir Creek area of Kachchh, Gujarat. In a long-standing tradition since he assumed office in 2014, PM Modi chose to spend the festival of lights with members of the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy, and Air Force, acknowledging their dedication and service in some of India’s most challenging terrains.
Located near the western border, Lakki Nala is known for its harsh conditions with scorching days, frigid nights, and rugged landscapes. During his visit, PM Modi also extended Diwali greetings to the nation, expressing his heartfelt wishes for a joyous and prosperous life for all. “Many happy wishes to the countrymen on Deepawali. On this divine festival of lights, I wish everyone a healthy, happy, and prosperous life. May everyone prosper with the blessings of Maa Lakshmi and Lord Shri Ganesha,” he posted on X.
In addition to his Diwali celebrations with the troops, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, to mark National Unity Day. “My salutations to Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. Protecting the unity and sovereignty of the nation was the top priority of his life. His personality and work will continue to inspire every generation of the country,” PM Modi remarked, reflecting on Patel’s legacy as a unifier and visionary for India.
The celebrations included a parade, along with a dazzling air show by the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. In a unified gesture, top military officials spent the festival with troops stationed in key forward positions across the country. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the ‘Desh ka Vallabh’ statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the ‘Museum of Valour’ in Tawang, dedicated to Major Ralengnao ‘Bob’ Khathing, from Tezpur.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan celebrated with troops in the Andaman and Nicobar Command in Port Blair, where he took part in Diwali festivities. Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi spent the day with troops in Arunachal Pradesh, while Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi marked the occasion with naval personnel stationed at Porbandar in Gujarat. Porbandar, strategically close to the Pakistan border, is often on alert due to threats of cross-border smuggling and other illicit activities.
(ANI)
