PM Modi celebrates Diwali with Army, ITBP in Uttarakhand
Photo Tweeted By BJP4India
Dehradun : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday celebrated Diwali with the personnel of Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), mandated to guard 3,488 km Sino-India border, in Uttarakhand and said that India was taking great strides forward in the defence sector.
The Prime Minister reached Harshil village at around 7.50 a.m. in a special Indian Air Force plane and distributed sweets to the personnel, according to an ITBP spokesperson.
While interacting with Army and @ITBP_official Jawans in Harsil, spoke about the numerous steps being taken by the Government of India for the strengthening of the defence sector, welfare of ex-servicemen and highlighted how Indian forces are admired globally for the skills. pic.twitter.com/DFAuJfrQwy
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2018
Harshil is situated at the confluence of Jalandhari Gadh and Bhagirathi rivers and at the foot of the mountain that lies at the head of the Baspa Valley at the height of around 8,000 feet.
Modi was flanked by Army chief Bipin Rawat.
Greeting the Army and ITBP personnel on the occasion, Modi said their devotion to duty in the remote icy heights was enabling the strength of the nation and securing the future and the dreams of 125 crore Indians.
Celebrated Diwali with our valorous Army and @ITBP_official personnel at Harsil in Uttarakhand.
India is immensely proud of all those who protect our nation, with utmost dedication and courage.
We salute them! pic.twitter.com/siW4Yz2UUd
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2018
“Diwali is the festival of lights which spreads the light of goodness and dispels fear. The jawans, through their commitment and discipline, are also helping to spread the sense of security and fearlessness among the people,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister recalled that he has been visiting soldiers on Diwali ever since he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He also spoke of his interactions with the ITBP personnel, years ago when he was part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Modi said: “India is taking great strides forward in the defence sector” and spoke of various measures being taken for welfare of ex-servicemen, including OROP (One Rank, One Pension).”
He said that the Indian Armed Forces draw admiration and appreciation across the world and in UN Peacekeeping operations.
The Prime Minister also interacted with people from nearby areas who had gathered to greet him.
Later, Modi left for the Kedarnath shrine where he offered prayers and reviewed the reconstruction of the shrine.
Many parts around the shrine were devastated in the 2013 flash floods.
The Prime Minister has taken personal interest in the reconstruction and has visited the shrine twice in the last six months.
It has been snowing in the region for the past few days and the road from the VIP helipad to the shrine that had been covered with snow has been cleared.
Modi is also scheduled to watch a video presentation prepared by the state government officials on the reconstruction work of the guesthouse near the shrine.
Updated on : Nov 7, 2018 at 11:44 IST | Published on : Nov 7, 2018 at 11:11 IST
By EP Web Desk
(With Inputs From IANS)
