Kachch, 31st October 2024: Continuing his annual Diwali tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent the festival with security personnel in Gujarat’s Kachchh region, meeting troops stationed near Lakki Nala in Sir Creek. Wearing an Army uniform, Modi shared sweets with soldiers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Border Security Force, extending Diwali wishes that, he said, embody the gratitude of “140 crore Indians.”
“The country sees in you a guarantee of security and peace; the world sees India’s strength, and our enemies see an end to their malicious intentions,” Modi remarked, underscoring the vital role of India’s defense forces.
In a pointed reference to past diplomacy, Modi affirmed his government’s stance on national security: “This government will not compromise on even an inch of our nation’s borders. There was once a plan to yield Sir Creek under the guise of diplomacy—a plan I opposed as Chief Minister of Gujarat. Today, we place our trust not in enemy assurances but in the pledge of our soldiers.”
Since becoming Prime Minister in 2014, Modi has celebrated Diwali with soldiers at various border and remote posts, including Siachen (2014), the Punjab border (2015), Sumdo in Himachal Pradesh (2016), Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir (2017), Harsil in Uttarakhand (2018), Rajouri (2019), Longewala in Rajasthan (2020), Nowshera in Kashmir (2021), Kargil (2022), and Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh (2023).
Earlier in the day, Modi marked National Unity Day, honoring the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s key architect of post-independence integration. At Gujarat’s Kevadia—home to Patel’s Statue of Unity—the Prime Minister lauded Patel’s legacy, noting that this Unity Day holds added significance as it coincides with Diwali. Modi also announced the beginning of a two-year celebration commemorating Patel’s upcoming 150th birth anniversary.
