Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Diwali paid tribute to soldiers and their scarifies as he spent Diwali with soldiers at Longewala in Rajsthan’s Jaisalmer.

“India has long borders with several nations, but if there is one border post whose name is known by every Indian, it is Longewala. The Battle of Longewala is one that every Indian knows about and the saying ‘Jo bole so nihaal, sat sri akaal’ comes to mind every time we think about it,” PM Modi said.

He said his Diwali is complete only when he is with the soldiers whether in the snow-clad mountains or in the desert. He took the greetings, blessings and wishes of every Indian to the armed force personnels at the border. He also greeted the brave mothers and sisters and paid tribute to their sacrifice. The Prime Minister conveyed the gratitude of the countrymen to the armed forces and said 130 crore Indians are standing strongly with the forces.

The Prime Minister emphasized that only that nation is secure which has the capability to face the attackers and intruders. He said irrespective of advances in international cooperation and changes in equations, we simply can’t afford to forget that vigilance is the key to security, alertness is the basis of happiness, and strength is the confidence of victory.

Prime Minister Modi declared that India’s policy is very clear – Today’s India believes in understanding and explaining, however, if there is an attempt to test us, the response will be equally fierce.

He declared that today, the world knows that this country will not compromise at all on its national interest. This status of India is due to its valour and capabilities. India is able to forcefully hold forth on the international fora because of the security provided by the armed forces, India’s military power has enhanced its negotiating power, the Prime Minister said. Today India hits the purveyors of terrorism in their home.

India has come out as a forceful voice against the ideology of expansionism. Entire world is troubled by the forces of expansionism which is a mental perversion reflective of 18th century thinking, he said.

Referring to the stress on Aatmnirbharta and ‘Vocal for Local’, the Prime Minister said that recently it has been decided by the forces that more than 100 weapons and accessories will not be imported anymore. He complimented the armed forces for leading the way in being vocal for local.

Shri Modi called upon the youth of the country to produce for the armed forces as many startups are coming forward to meet the needs of the forces. He expressed the hope that youth-led startups in the defence sector will take the country forward on the path of Aatmnirbharta.

The Prime Minister said, inspired by the armed forces, the country is trying to save each and every citizen in the times of the pandemic. Along with ensuring food for the citizens, the country is working on putting the economy back on track.

The Prime Minister asked the soldiers for three things, first, make innovation part of their daily life. Second, make yoga part of their life and finally, learn at least one more language apart from their mother tongue, Hindi and English. This will infuse your life with new energy, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister recalled the glorious battle of Longewala and said the battle will always be remembered in the annals of strategic planning and military valour. He said this was the time when the ugly face of Pakistan was exposed as its army was terrorizing innocent citizens of Bangladesh and committing atrocities on daughters and sisters. Pakistan opened the front on western border to divert the global attention but our forces gave them a befitting reply.

Earlier, Prime Minister had said this Diwali, let us also light a Diya as a salute to Soldiers who fearlessly protect our nation.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “This Diwali, let us also light a Diya as a salute to Soldiers who fearlessly protect our nation. Words can’t do justice to the sense of gratitude we have for our soldiers for their exemplary courage. We are also grateful to the families of those on the borders.”