(Ab0ve): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the Indian Air Force Soldiers, at Jammu Airport, on Nov. 4, 2021. (PIB)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian Armed Forces in Nowshera district in J&K, Nov. 4.

Addressing the soldiers, the Prime Minister said that spending Diwali with the Armed Forces, for him, is in the same spirit as to celebrate Diwali with his family. He said, that is why, he has spent all his Diwali with the armed forces at the border after assuming constitutional post. He said he has not come alone but has brought with him with the wishes of the 1.3 billion Indians.

Modi said, “Every Indian will light one ‘diya’ to convey his or her wishes for the brave soldiers of the country.” The Prime Minister said to the soldiers that they are the living security shield of the country. Serving the country, as being done by the brave sons and daughters of the country, is a good fortune that is not available to everyone, he said.

From Nowshera, Modi greeted the countrymen for Diwali and other upcoming festivals, Goverdhan Puja, Bhaiyya Dooj and Chatth. He also wished Gujarati people for their new year.

He said Nowshera’s history celebrates the bravery of India and its present is the embodiment of the bravery and determination of the soldiers. The region has stood strongly against the aggressor and encroachers.

Modi paid rich tribute to the heroes of Nowshera, Brig. Usman and Naik Jadunath Singh who made the supreme sacrifice for defending the motherland. He saluted Lt. R.R. Rane and other brave hearts, who set unprecedented examples of valor and patriotism. The Prime Minister also described his feelings for taking blessings of Baldev Singh and Basant Singh who supported armed forces steadfastly. He also praised the Brigade stationed there for their role in the surgical strike. He recalled the moment of relief when all the brave soldiers returned safely from the strike.

The Prime Minister said that the responsibility of protecting the freedom of the county vests with everyone and today’s India, in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of the freedom is alert about its capabilities and resources.

Modi also talked about the growing ‘Aatmnirbharta’ in defense resources as opposed to earlier period of dependence on the foreign countries. He said 65 percent of the Defense Budget is being used inside the country. A list of 200 products, a positive list, that will be procured only indigenously has been prepared. The list is going to be expanded soon, he said.  He also talked of the seven new Defense companies launched on ‘Vijaya Dashmi’ as the old ordnance factories will now make specialized sector specific equipment and ammunition. Defense Corridors are also coming up. India’s youth is involved in vibrant defense related startups.  All this will strengthen India’s position as defense exporter, he said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Indian Military power needs to be expanded and transformed according to the changing needs. He said fast changing technology landscape has demanded new changes, that is why it is critical to ensure coordination in the integrated Military leadership. CDS and Department of Military Affairs are steps in that direction. Similarly, modern border infrastructure will enhance the country’s military muscle, he said. He remarked that connectivity in border areas from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, from Jaisalmer to Andaman Nicobar has been established with modern infrastructure, leading to unprecedent improvement in the infrastructure and convenience for soldiers.

The Prime Minister expressed happiness that the participation of women in the country’s defense is touching new heights. After being deployed on the frontlines in Navy and Air Force, now women’s role is being expanded in Army also. Along with opening up of the Permanent Commission, NDA, National Military School, National Indian Military College for women, the Prime Minister mentioned his Independence Day announcement of opening up Sainik Schools for the girls.

The Prime Minister said that in the armed forces, he not only sees boundless capabilities but also unwavering service spirit, strong determination and incomparable sensitivity. This makes Indian armed forces, unique among the armed forces of the world. Indian Armed forces are as professional as the top armed forces of the world but its human values make it distinct and extraordinary, the Prime Minister said.  “For you, this not just a job for salary, for you this is a calling and worship, a worship in which you channel the spirit of 130 crore people” the Prime Minister said. He continued, “empires come and go but India was eternal thousands of years ago and remains so today and will remain eternal after thousands of years later. We don’t perceive the nation as government, power or empire, for us, it is living, present soul. Defending this is not limited to defending just the geographical boundaries. For us national defense means defending this living national vibrancy, national unity, and national integration.”

The Prime Minister concluded “if our armed forces are blessed with sky touching valor, their hearts are ocean of human kindness also, that is why our armed forces not only defend the borders but are also always ready to help during calamity and natural disasters. It has grown as a strong trust in the heart of every Indian. You are the custodians and defenders of India’s unity and integrity and the emotion of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’ I am fully confident that with the inspiration of your bravery, we will take India to the zenith of growth and progress.”