Close X
Friday, November 8, 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

Provided 36,097 government jobs to youth in first 18 months: Punjab CM

Provided 36,097 government jobs to youth in first 18 months: Punjab CM
Addressing a function to hand over the recruitment letter to 249 youth for 191 posts in the Local Government Department, 25 in the Animal Husbandry, 24 in the Cooperation and nine in the Technical Education Department here, the Chief Minister said the youth should feel proud as they are becoming a team of the government that is working untiringly for carving out a new Punjab.  

Provided 36,097 government jobs to youth in first 18 months: Punjab CM

3 tribals shot dead in Manipur

3 tribals shot dead in Manipur
At least three tribals were shot dead by unidentified militants in Manipur’s Kangpopki district on Tuesday, officials said. Officials in the state capital said a group of unidentified armed extremists stormed villages between the Ireng and Karam areas along the bordering regions of Imphal West and Kangpopki districts and shot dead the three villagers on the spot.  

3 tribals shot dead in Manipur

Gangster Bishnoi’s key operatives arrested in Punjab

Gangster Bishnoi’s key operatives arrested in Punjab
Amidst the ongoing drive against gangsters, Punjab Police’s State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) on Tuesday busted an extortion racket, backed by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, with the arrest of its two key operatives after recovering two .32 bore pistols along with two cartridges from their possession. Those arrested have been identified as Tarlochan Singh, alias Rahul Cheema, of Chandigarh and Harish, alias Harry, alias Baba, of Haryana's Jhajjar.

Gangster Bishnoi’s key operatives arrested in Punjab

G20 unveiled influence of India's rich tapestry on global stage: Reddy

G20 unveiled influence of India's rich tapestry on global stage: Reddy
Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) G. Kishan Reddy on Monday said the G20 Summit has unveiled the influence of India's rich tapestry on the global stage. "India's culture diversity charms the G20 Summit. It has unveiled the influence of India's rich tapestry on the global stage," he wrote on X (formerly twitter).

G20 unveiled influence of India's rich tapestry on global stage: Reddy

Punjab to be developed as most preferred tourist destination: Mann

Punjab to be developed as most preferred tourist destination: Mann
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday announced the development of the state as the most preferred global tourist destination. Addressing the gathering during the inaugural function of first Tourism Summit and Travel Mart in Mohali, near here, the Chief Minister said he firmly believes that governments will come and go but the works of public welfare must be given topmost priority so that you get good wishes and prayers from the public.

Punjab to be developed as most preferred tourist destination: Mann

9 looted arms, huge quantities of explosives recovered in Manipur

9 looted arms, huge quantities of explosives recovered in Manipur
Combined security forces recovered nine looted arms, two locally made guns, 10 different types of ammunition, and a large quantities of explosives from Manipur's Churachandpur, Imphal East and Thoubal districts, it was announced on Monday. Manipur Police also said on Monday night that the situation in different parts of the state was more or less normal except some sporadic incidents.

9 looted arms, huge quantities of explosives recovered in Manipur