Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation through his popular radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on All India Radio. The 25th edition of the programme was thematically aimed at dedicating this Diwali for all the soldiers serving in the armed forces.
During the last episode, PM Modi had stated that tremendous anger has been simmering within the nation following the terrorist attack in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir which left 19 jawans dead. "Those responsible for Uri attack will not go unpunished," Prime Minister Modi had said, adding that he had huge respect for the Indian Army and had full faith in them.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the courage of our soldiers and thanked the nation for sending them messages.
"From last few months our jawans (soldiers) are sacrificing their lives, we should celebrate this Diwali in their name," Modi said, while speaking on Mann Ki Baat, his monthly radio address.
Modi also applauded Indian soldiers for their undying love and sacrifice for the country and said that this Diwali dedicated to them.
"Every citizen of the country is proud of our soldiers...People from walks of life sent messages of love and encouragement for our jawans (soldiers), just as they light candles for their well-being," he added.
Modi also said that #Sandesh2Soldiers hashtag was used so much by everyone and we were flooded with well wishes and love for jawans from citizens.
"I also have to thank the citizens of the nation for their support and love for our security forces and jawans (soldiers) protecting us," he said.
Recognising the works of the Armed forces, Modi said, "Be it BSF (Border Security Force), CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), Assam Rifles, ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police), Navy, Air Force, our jawans are on duty and guarding us. That is why we are celebrating Diwali joyfully," the Prime Minister said.
Modi also said that when we remember our soldiers on festivals we give a message that we are with them.
More than 10 lakh messages have came for soldiers from across the nation.
PM Modi on paying tribute to Indira Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Tomorrow we are celebrating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary. We are also remembering Indira Gandhiji tomorrow.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel worked to bring everyone together, he worked for unity, fought for unity and brought unity amongst people.
- But on Sardar's birthday, history remembers how Sikh people and "sardars" all over the country faced violence and pain.
- Which is why we all need to learn that we all must unite, and work towards unity rather than allow divisiveness to spread.
PM Modi cautions about safety during Diwali:
- I request parents & guardians that if their little kids are bursting crackers they should be monitored & accompanied
- World leaders are celebrating and sharing their memories and pictures on different social media platforms
- Diwali is now not just celebrated in India, but all over the world. Diwali is a festival which is bringing people together
- A photo of women political leaders in Singapore wearing saree outside the Parliament wishing Diwali greetings has gone viral.
Modi on Swacch Bharat Abhiyan and Diwali:
- Everyone cleans their house in Diwali, There is a Swacchta Abhiyaan in everyone's homes. But the mission should extend outside our homes.
- PM wishes Happy Diwali to the nation.
- Every now and then there is some festival in India.
- We have many festivals but have successfully let go of old practices
- The festivals teach us to honour nature
- All our festivals are meaningful
- Diwali means end of darkness: liberty from poverty, ignorance, lack of education.
PM Modi speaks about sacrifice of jawans:
- I also have to thank the citizens of the nation for their support & love for our security forces and jawans protecting us
- From last few months our jawans are sacrificing their lives, we should celebrate this Diwali in their name
- People from all walks of life sent messages of love and encouragement for our jawans, just as they light candles for their well being
- #Sandesh2Soldiers hashtag was used so much by everyone and we were flooded with well wishes and love for jawans from citizens
- Be it BSF, CRPF etc, our jawans are on duty and guarding us; that is why we are celebrating Diwali joyfully
