'Where Security Forces Deployed No Less Than Temple': PM Modi on Diwali with Soldiers | Top Quotes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh early on Sunday to celebrate Diwali with soldiers and hailed their unwavering courage. He said a place where security forces are deployed is no less than a temple to him. The prime minister shared photographs of his interactions in which he is seen offering sweets to them.

In his post on X, Modi said, “Spending Diwali with our brave security forces in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh has been an experience filled with deep emotion and pride.” “Away from their families, these guardians of our nation illuminate our lives with their dedication,” he said.

“The courage of our security forces is unwavering. Stationed in the toughest terrains, away from their loved ones, their sacrifice and dedication keep us safe and secure,” he added.

Prime Minister Modi said India will always be grateful to these heroes who are the perfect embodiment of bravery and resilience. Earlier in the day, he greeted people on Diwali and wished them joy, prosperity and health. “Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali! May this special festival bring joy, prosperity and wonderful health to everyone’s lives,” he said.

Here are the top quotes from his address to security personnel at Lepcha:

• Modi lauded the soldiers’ bravery and said: “For me, a place where our security forces are deployed is no less than a temple. I come and celebrate Diwali every year with our army personnel. It is said that Ayodhya is where Lord Ram is, but for me, Ayodhya is where Indian Army personnel are…”
• The PM has celebrated Diwali with soldiers since he was first elected to the office in 2014. “There has not been a single Diwali in the last 30 to 35 years, that I have not celebrated with you (army jawans). When I was neither the PM nor CM, I still used to go to the border on the occasion of Diwali,” he said.
• He recounted the sacrifice made by fallen soldiers in past battles. “Our brave men who fought so many wars immediately after independence, our warriors who won the heart of the country in every difficulty, our brave sons and daughters who snatched victory from the jaws of challenges,” he added.
• Modi also spoke about the contribution of the security forces during times of natural disasters or distress. “Our soldiers who face every challenge in disasters like earthquakes, our soldiers who save lives by fighting in the sea in situations like tsunami… What are the problems to which our heroes have not given a solution?” he asked.
• The prime minister said India of the 21st century is moving towards self-reliance. “India has borne the burden of centuries of struggles, but the Bharat of the 21st century is moving forward towards aatmanirbharta! Now, the resolutions will be ours, and the resources will also be ours!” he said.
• He said in such troubled times, it was important to keep India’s borders secure. “Given the situation in the world today, expectations from India are continuously increasing. In such a situation, it is important that India’s borders remain secure. We are creating an atmosphere of peace in the country and you have a big role in this. India is safe as long as our Army stands firm and unshakable like the Himalayas, on its borders…” he added.
• Talking about women in the armed forces, Modi said more than 500 female officers have been given permanent commission over the past few years. “…In the past years, in the Indian Army, more than 500 women officers have been given permanent commission. Today, women pilots are flying fighter planes like Rafale…” he said.

Here’s a timeline of the years Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel:

2022: Modi celebrated Diwali with the armed forces in Kargil last year

2021: The prime minister celebrated the festival with soldiers in Nowshera

2020: He was at a border post of Longewala on Diwali

2019: After being re-elected to the high office, Modi celebrated Diwali in Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir

2018: The PM celebrated Diwali in Harsil, Uttarakhand, which was followed by a visit to Kedarnath

2017: He was in the Gurez sector in north Kashmir

2016: Modi travelled to Himachal Pradesh to meet the personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Dogra Scouts and the army at Sumdoh near the China border

2015: In the following year, on the 50th anniversary of the 1965 war with Pakistan, the prime minister visited three memorials in Punjab where the Indian armed forces had fought pitched battles that proved to be key to the country’s victory

2014: He celebrated the festival of lights with soldiers at the Siachen Glacier.

(With PTI inputs)