Panaji, October 20
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday referred to the Indian Armed Forces as "his family" as he kept with his annual tradition over the previous 11 years to celebrate Diwali with the armed forces of the country.
PM Modi addressed Navy personnel aboard the indegenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, presently stationed off the coast of Goa and Karwar in the Arabian Sea. "It has become a habit of mine to celebrate Diwali with my family, and that's why every year I come to celebrate Diwali with my family," he said.
PM Modi said that he is "fortunate" to celebrate Diwali with Indian soldiers.
"Today, on one side, I have infinite horizons, infinite sky, and on the other side, I have this giant, INS Vikrant, embodying infinite powers. The glow of the sun's rays on the ocean's waters is like the Diwali lamps lit by brave soldiers... I am fortunate that this time I am celebrating this holy festival of Diwali among all you brave soldiers of the Navy," PM Modi said.
PM also shared his experience with the soldiers and celebrated their immense energy and enthusiasm.
"The night spent yesterday on INS Vikrant is hard to put into words. I saw the immense energy and enthusiasm you all were filled with. When I saw you singing patriotic songs yesterday, and the way you described Operation Sindoor in your songs, no words can ever fully convey the experience that a jawan feels standing on a battlefield," he said.
PM Modi further spoke about INS Vikrant, emphasising how its name can give "sleepless nights" to the country's enemies.
"You all must remember the day our nation received its very own indigenous INS Vikrant. On that very day, the Indian Navy bid farewell to one of the greatest symbols of colonial legacy. Inspired by the valour and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, our Navy adopted a new ensign that truly reflects our pride and identity. Today, INS Vikrant stands as a powerful symbol of #AtmanirbharBharat and the spirit of Made in India. Swadeshi INS Vikrant is symbol of India's strength. Few months back we saw that Vikrant gave Pakistan sleepless nights only by his name. I want to salute our forces," PM Modi said.
Last year, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with the armed forces near the Indo-Pak border in Kutch.
In 2024 the Prime Minister did so with the armed forces in Sir Creek in Gujarat. In 2023 it was in Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh; in 2021 it was in Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir; in Longewala in Rajasthan in 2020.
In 2014, the first Diwali since he assumed office of the PM for the first time he spent with troops in Siachen. In 2015, the PM visited the Dograi War Memorial in Amritsar to mark 50 years of the 1965 war. The next year in 2016, PM Modi visited Himachal Pradesh to celebrate with soldiers near the China border at Sumdoh and made an unplanned stop at a village, Chango. In 2017, the prime minister visited the Gurez sector in North Kashmir. In 2018, PM Modi spent Diwali in Uttarakhand's Harsil and later offered prayers at Kedarnath temple. in 2019, PM had gone to Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir.
Diwali is a five-day festival that starts on Dhanteras. On Dhanteras, people purchase jewellery or utensils and worship the Gods. The second day is called Naraka Chaturdashi. It is also known as Chhoti Diwali, or Small Diwali.
The third day of Diwali is the main day of the celebrations. People worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on this day, offering prayers to bless them with wealth and prosperity.
The fourth day of Diwali is devoted to Govardhan Puja. The fifth day is called Bhai Dooj. On this day, sisters pray for their brothers to have long and happy lives by performing the Tika ceremony, and brothers give gifts to their sisters.
- ANI
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