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

Ahmedabad Crime Branch nabs fugitive in fake currency robbery case

Ahmedabad Crime Branch nabs fugitive in fake currency robbery case
The Ahmedabad City Crime Branch has successfully apprehended a fugitive who had been evading arrest for over two-and-a-half years in connection with a robbery case involving fake currency notes. The suspect, identified as Jamadpar Singh, aged 28, was involved in a daring heist on February 2, 2022, in the Angadi area.

Ahmedabad Crime Branch nabs fugitive in fake currency robbery case

Kolkata hospital horror: Delhi HC Bar Association members to wear white ribbon band as mark of protest

Kolkata hospital horror: Delhi HC Bar Association members to wear white ribbon band as mark of protest
The Executive Committee of the Delhi High Court Bar Association on Tuesday convened an emergent meeting and condemned the "barbaric and brutal incident of rape and murder of an innocent and young postgraduate trainee doctor while on duty at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in state of West Bengal".

Kolkata hospital horror: Delhi HC Bar Association members to wear white ribbon band as mark of protest

Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody extended till Aug 27 in excise policy case

Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody extended till Aug 27 in excise policy case
A court here on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till August 27 in connection with the alleged excise policy scam. Kejriwal was produced before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court through video conferencing from Tihar Jail upon the expiry of his previously granted custody.

Arvind Kejriwal's judicial custody extended till Aug 27 in excise policy case

Embracing tradition & optimism: PM Modi's blueprint for India's future

Embracing tradition & optimism: PM Modi's blueprint for India's future
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership throughout his career. From his early days as a young leader and RSS worker to his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and now as Prime Minister, he has consistently emphasised the importance of adhering to traditions while maintaining optimism about the future. His enduring belief in these values is seen as a key driver of India’s growth-oriented trajectory in the 21st century.

Embracing tradition & optimism: PM Modi's blueprint for India's future

Educational institutions to remain shut in parts of Rajasthan on Aug 21

Educational institutions to remain shut in parts of Rajasthan on Aug 21
All the educational institutions will remain closed in seven districts of Rajasthan on August 21 in the wake of the Bharat Bandh call given by the Aarakshan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti. The shutdown will be witnessed in the districts of Jaipur, Alwar, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Deeg, Jaisalmer and Bharatpur.

Educational institutions to remain shut in parts of Rajasthan on Aug 21

Bihar Police arrest three accused in Dalit girl gang rape case

Bihar Police arrest three accused in Dalit girl gang rape case
Bihar Police in Muzaffarpur have arrested three more accused, including the primary suspect Sanjay Rai in connection with the gang rape and murder of a minor Dalit girl. The district police had filed a First Information Report (FIR) against six individuals based on a complaint filed by the victim’s mother at the Paroo police station of the district.

Bihar Police arrest three accused in Dalit girl gang rape case