Celebrating sacrifice: PM Modi marks Diwali with armed forces at Gujarat border
PM Modi's celebration of Diwali with the armed forces underlines the government's recognition of their sacrifices.
New Delhi: On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Diwali with personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy, and Air Force at Lakki Nala in the Kachchh district of Gujarat, near the Pakistan border. The Prime Minister's visit to the BSF outpost allowed him to interact with soldiers and extend festive greetings, emphasizing the importance of their service.
Challenging conditions
“This is an extremely inhospitable place, due to the very hot days and very cold nights. The terrain is also challenging,” an official source noted, highlighting the difficult conditions faced by the troops stationed in the region. PM Modi’s choice to celebrate Diwali with the armed forces reflects his ongoing commitment to honor the sacrifices made by these brave men and women.
This isn't the first time PM Modi has spent the festival with the military. In 2017, he celebrated Diwali with soldiers in the Gurez Valley, near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. During that occasion, he exchanged sweets with the jawans, praised their dedication, and expressed gratitude for their sacrifices for the nation.
Previous celebrations
Modi’s dedication to the armed forces extends back to 2014 when he made a surprise visit to Siachen on Diwali. He commended the courage of the personnel, stating that their unwavering commitment allows 1.25 billion Indians to celebrate the festival in comfort and security. Such visits have become a tradition, reinforcing the bond between the Prime Minister and the military.
A Diwali of unity at the border
In a related note, Indian and Chinese troops exchanged sweets at various border points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on Thursday. This gesture of goodwill came just a day after both nations completed troop disengagement at the two friction points in eastern Ladakh—Demchok and Depsang Plains—indicating a potential thaw in Sino-Indian relations.
According to an Indian Army source, “Sweets exchange between members of the troops of India and China took place at several border points along the LAC on the occasion of Diwali.” This collaborative spirit signifies a hopeful step towards stabilizing relations that have been strained since 2020. PM Modi's celebration of Diwali with the armed forces underlines the government's recognition of their sacrifices. As festivities unfold across the nation, these gestures at the borders remind citizens of the bravery and dedication of those who protect the country, while the exchanges with Chinese troops symbolize a move toward peace and cooperation.
