Close X
Friday, November 1, 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

Seven held in Ahmedabad with 199 kg marijuana worth Rs 43 lakh

Seven held in Ahmedabad with 199 kg marijuana worth Rs 43 lakh
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has seized 194.850 kg marijuana valued at Rs 42.86 lakh from a warehouse in the Vatva GIDC area. Seven persons hailing from Odisha, Bihar, and Nepal have been arrested in connection with the case which has come as a significant blow to the city's drug trade.

Seven held in Ahmedabad with 199 kg marijuana worth Rs 43 lakh

15 killed after bus hits van in UP's Hathras

15 killed after bus hits van in UP's Hathras
At least 15 people, including four women and an equal number of children, were killed after a roadways bus collided with the van they were travelling in on National Highway 93 here, officials said. Thirteen people have also been injured in the accident which took place on Friday and admitted to a government hospital.

15 killed after bus hits van in UP's Hathras

Your role is important in crafting capable citizens of tomorrow: PM Modi to teachers

Your role is important in crafting capable citizens of tomorrow: PM Modi to teachers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Teachers Day, extended greetings to the teaching fraternity and expressed gratitude to them for their ‘incredible role in shaping young minds as well as the country’s future’. PM Modi also wrote a heartfelt letter, addressing teachers of the country, in which he lauded the dedication and role of educators in building a stronger, self-reliant India.

Your role is important in crafting capable citizens of tomorrow: PM Modi to teachers

Four soldiers die in Sikkim road accident, Rahul, Priyanka express grief

Four soldiers die in Sikkim road accident, Rahul, Priyanka express grief
Four Army personnel, on their way from their unit in Bengal to Sikkim, in a road accident in the latter's Pakyong district on Thursday, officials said. The accident occurred when the vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge on the Rhenock Rongli state highway, popularly termed the Silk Route.

Four soldiers die in Sikkim road accident, Rahul, Priyanka express grief

India has the potential to host Olympics and we are working toward it: Randhir Singh

India has the potential to host Olympics and we are working toward it: Randhir Singh
Singh also underscored the significant role Asia has played in the global sports arena. He began by celebrating the continent's recent accomplishments, noting the historic feat of hosting both the Tokyo Summer Games and the Beijing Winter Games within a single year.

India has the potential to host Olympics and we are working toward it: Randhir Singh

India set to be world’s 3rd-largest economy by decade’s end: Gautam Adani

India set to be world’s 3rd-largest economy by decade’s end: Gautam Adani
The World Bank has also revised India’s growth outlook from the previous forecast of 6.6 per cent to 7 per cent in the current fiscal. What makes India's growth even more certain and exciting is the tremendous momentum driven by the digital transformation.

India set to be world’s 3rd-largest economy by decade’s end: Gautam Adani