Close X
Saturday, November 23, 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

Maha Congress: Rahul Gandhi targeted for growing popularity in India, abroad

Maha Congress: Rahul Gandhi targeted for growing popularity in India, abroad
The Congress said on Thursday that the BJP is rattled by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s growing popularity and credibility in India and abroad and that is why he is being targeted. AICC General Secretary Ramesh Chennithala said that Rahul Gandhi is the only leader who is fighting against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has proved to be a major challenge for the ruling dispensation.

Maha Congress: Rahul Gandhi targeted for growing popularity in India, abroad

Now, parts of BMW to be manufactured in Punjab: CM Mann

Now, parts of BMW to be manufactured in Punjab: CM Mann
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday assured cooperation to Modern Automotives Ltd for their plans to expand their project in the state and manufacture a pivotal part of automotive giant BMW. A delegation of Modern Automotives Ltd, comprising Aditya Goyal, Suhail Goyal and Manish Bagga, called on the Chief Minister here. Now parts of BMW will be manufactured in the state, a statement by the state government said.

Now, parts of BMW to be manufactured in Punjab: CM Mann

Trinamool leader under CBI scanner in RG Kar case

Trinamool leader under CBI scanner in RG Kar case
Trinamool Congress leader Asish Pande who has been putting up at a hotel in Salt Lake since August 9 is currently under Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) scanner, which is probing the rape and murder of a junior female doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata. Incidentally, the body of the junior female doctor was discovered at the seminar hall within the hospital premises on the morning of August 9 only.

Trinamool leader under CBI scanner in RG Kar case

An important step towards democracy, PM Modi hails nod to simultaneous elections

An important step towards democracy, PM Modi hails nod to simultaneous elections
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the government's approval of simultaneous elections as a significant step toward enhancing India's democracy. He also thanked former President Ram Nath Kovind for painstakingly spearheading the nationwide consultation process.

An important step towards democracy, PM Modi hails nod to simultaneous elections

RG Kar case: Sandip Ghosh’s medical registration cancelled, Kolkata Police suspends Abhijit Mondal

RG Kar case: Sandip Ghosh’s medical registration cancelled, Kolkata Police suspends Abhijit Mondal
West Bengal Medical Council on Wednesday evening announced the cancellation of the medical registration of the former and controversial principal of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital Sandip Ghosh. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police also announced the suspension of inspector Abhijit Mondal, the former SHO of Tala Police Station.

RG Kar case: Sandip Ghosh’s medical registration cancelled, Kolkata Police suspends Abhijit Mondal

Over 25 houses set on fire in Bihar’s Nawada over property dispute

Over 25 houses set on fire in Bihar’s Nawada over property dispute
More than 25 houses were set on fire by a group of strong men in the village in Bihar’s Nawada district on Wednesday following a property dispute. An official said that the incident was reported in Manjhi Mahadalit Tola village, which falls under the Dedaur Gram Panchayat, Mufassil police station in Nawada district.

Over 25 houses set on fire in Bihar’s Nawada over property dispute