Close X
Friday, November 22, 2024
ADVT 
India

Your dedication shines like steel: PM Modi hails Indian soldiers

Darpan News Desk IANS, 31 Oct, 2024 11:52 AM
  • Your dedication shines like steel: PM Modi hails Indian soldiers

Kutch, Oct 31 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday continued his tradition of celebrating Diwali with the Indian armed forces. He spent the festival with soldiers at Lakki Nala in Gujarat's Sir Creek, where he lauded their dedication towards the nation.

Extending his warm wishes, PM Modi lauded the commitment and dedication of soldiers stationed at this challenging border area.

Greeting the soldiers with chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," PM Modi began by extending Diwali greetings to them.

"On this sacred land near Sir Creek, it is my privilege to celebrate Diwali with you. When I celebrate with you, the joy of Diwali multiplies. This Diwali is special as Lord Ram has finally returned to his temple in Ayodhya," he said, noting the symbolism of this year's festival.

PM Modi also expressed his gratitude on behalf of India's 140 crore citizens, recognising the courage of the soldiers defending the nation in extreme conditions.

"You serve in regions where temperatures drop below zero in the mountains and where searing heat and desert storms test your resilience. Your dedication shines like steel, intimidating any enemy who attempts to challenge us," he said.

Lauding the Indian Navy's role in securing Gujarat's coast and countering anti-India conspiracies, PM Modi highlighted the strategic importance of Kutch, particularly during the 1971 War.

"This region has always been a target, yet India's forces have guarded it firmly. Today, with our Navy here, no adversary dares cast an eye on Sir Creek," he said.

The Prime Minister assured that India's borders were non-negotiable and recalled the past challenges of diplomatic efforts to take over Sir Creek, which he had opposed as Gujarat's Chief Minister.

"Our policies reflect the resolve of our armed forces, not the words of our enemies," he stressed.

PM Modi highlighted India's strides in modernising its Defence sector by emphasising on building an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Citing the inauguration of the C295 factory in Vadodara, he noted that India is now building indigenous submarines, aircraft carriers like Vikrant, and fighter jets such as Tejas.

"We are moving towards a self-reliant Defence sector. Our Defence exports have increased thirty-fold over the past decade," he said, commending the armed forces for creating a list of over 5,000 Defence items that will no longer be imported.

The Prime Minister also addressed the importance of drone technology as modern warfare evolves, stating, "Drone technology is now a vital tool for surveillance, Intelligence, and combat. India is advancing in this field, with predator drones being acquired and local startups manufacturing indigenous drones."

He underscored the ongoing integration of India's three armed forces under the Chief of Defence Staff, with efforts directed at establishing an Integrated Theater Command.

"I often say that there is one Army, one Air Force, and one Navy. However, when they conduct joint exercises, we see them as 111," he remarked.

Highlighting India's infrastructure improvements, PM Modi said that more than 80,000 kms of border roads have been built over the past ten years, along with strategic tunnels, such as the Atal Tunnel, to ensure connectivity in remote areas.

The Prime Minister spoke of the Vibrant Villages scheme, aiming to develop hamlets along India's borders.

"We have redefined these areas not as the last but as the 'first villages' of our nation. Our vision is to turn these into vibrant tourist zones, just like the Rann Utsav in Dhordo," he said, sharing plans to establish mangrove forests and economic zones in the region.

PM Modi concluded by sharing sweets with the personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy, and Air Force, bringing Diwali cheer to the remote and strategic area of Lakki Nala near Sir Creek, which has historically been a challenging border post under BSF vigilance.

 

MORE India ARTICLES

Adani Foundation donates Rs 100 crore for Telangana’s Young India Skills University

Adani Foundation donates Rs 100 crore for Telangana’s Young India Skills University
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, met state Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy here, along with a delegation from the Adani Foundation, and presented a cheque of Rs 100 crore for Young India Skills University.

Adani Foundation donates Rs 100 crore for Telangana’s Young India Skills University

Bengal to remove unlicensed shops on RG Kar premises

Bengal to remove unlicensed shops on RG Kar premises
The junior doctors, protesting against the rape and murder, complained that these unlicensed shops were mainly the assembly point of anti-social elements from outside which vitiated the ambience within the hospital premises.

Bengal to remove unlicensed shops on RG Kar premises

Gujarat: Three men arrested for Rs 80 lakh armed robbery in Deesa

Gujarat: Three men arrested for Rs 80 lakh armed robbery in Deesa
Prakash Rawal, Arvind Rawal, and Prem Barot were arrested from Jodhpur following an intensive investigation based on technical surveillance, location tracking, and call details. The robbery occurred on October 14 in the Lalchali area of Deesa, where two armed men intercepted an Angadia (courier) employee transporting cash.

Gujarat: Three men arrested for Rs 80 lakh armed robbery in Deesa

PM Modi attends NDA leaders conclave, calls for holding such events twice a year

PM Modi attends NDA leaders conclave, calls for holding such events twice a year
PM Modi proposed for holding such conclaves twice every year. The 'Chandigarh conclave' saw participation of 17 Chief Ministers and 18 Deputy Chief Ministers. PM Modi said that the solution-centric governance with focus on grievance redressal is a distinctive identity of all NDA governments.

PM Modi attends NDA leaders conclave, calls for holding such events twice a year

Truth has triumphed, says AAP as ex-Delhi minister Satyendar Jain gets bail

Truth has triumphed, says AAP as ex-Delhi minister Satyendar Jain gets bail
“Finally, truth has triumphed,” said Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha in a post in Hindi on his social media handle on X, welcoming the end of the two-year incarceration of the former health minister.

Truth has triumphed, says AAP as ex-Delhi minister Satyendar Jain gets bail

Jaipur to be developed as a sports hub: Rajasthan CM

Jaipur to be developed as a sports hub: Rajasthan CM
In a bid to support the sports culture in the state, the delegation had a productive discussion with the officials of Royal Multisport Pvt Ltd, owner of the Rajasthan Royals cricket team at London’s Lord's Cricket Ground.

Jaipur to be developed as a sports hub: Rajasthan CM