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

Wayanad disaster toll reaches 281, 200 still missing, CM Vijayan stresses on rehabilitation

Wayanad disaster toll reaches 281, 200 still missing, CM Vijayan stresses on rehabilitation
The massive rescue operation, involving personnel from all three defence forces, police, disaster relief agencies, and fire services, besides locals and volunteers, is currently on at the four worst-affected landslide areas of Wayanad -- Churalpara, Velarimala, Mundakayil, and Pothukalu.

Wayanad disaster toll reaches 281, 200 still missing, CM Vijayan stresses on rehabilitation

Punjab MP Vikramjit Sahney seeks parity in fund allocation for sports

Punjab MP Vikramjit Sahney seeks parity in fund allocation for sports
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Sahney said Punjab with 19 athletes among the national contingent of 117 representing 16 per cent of India's Olympic participants has shown exceptional commitment and talent.

Punjab MP Vikramjit Sahney seeks parity in fund allocation for sports

India best performer among top 5 stock markets, mcap reaches over $5.5 trillion

India best performer among top 5 stock markets, mcap reaches over $5.5 trillion
India is the best-performing stock market among the top five globally, and it delivered over 25 per cent return (in terms of market cap) from the beginning of 2024. Due to a stellar rally, the total market cap of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) reached Rs 462 lakh crore (over 5.5 trillion dollars) on Wednesday.

India best performer among top 5 stock markets, mcap reaches over $5.5 trillion

Punjab govt following in the footsteps of martyrs like Udham Singh: Bhagwant Mann

Punjab govt following in the footsteps of martyrs like Udham Singh: Bhagwant Mann
Addressing the gathering at a state-level function to mark the 85th martyrdom day of Udham Singh at Sunam in Sangrur district, the Chief Minister recalled how he used to accompany his father as a child to attend an annual event here to pay tributes to Udham Singh.

Punjab govt following in the footsteps of martyrs like Udham Singh: Bhagwant Mann

10 flights diverted after rain batters Delhi-NCR; IMD issues red alert for next 24 hrs

10 flights diverted after rain batters Delhi-NCR; IMD issues red alert for next 24 hrs
As many as 10 flights headed to Delhi were diverted after heavy rain lashed Delhi-NCR on Wednesday evening, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a ‘red alert’ in the national capital for the next 24 hours. The incessant rain led to waterlogging in several parts of Delhi -NCR, as traffic came to a standstill in many areas.

10 flights diverted after rain batters Delhi-NCR; IMD issues red alert for next 24 hrs

Wayanad tragedy: Contributions flow into Kerala CM's Disaster Relief Fund

Wayanad tragedy: Contributions flow into Kerala CM's Disaster Relief Fund
The death toll has now reached 205 while around 200 people are currently reported missing. Around 7,000 people have been evacuated safely in around 50 relief camps. Meanwhile, hundreds of defence personnel and from several other agencies are engaged in rescue and relief operations in the four worst affected landslide areas of Wayanad district -- Churalpara, Velarimala, Mundakayil and Pothukalu.

Wayanad tragedy: Contributions flow into Kerala CM's Disaster Relief Fund