BSF jawans, officers celebrate Diwali on border

Jaisalmer: To increase harmony among the border guards of India and Pakistan, sweets were exchanged between the two countries on Diwali. This tradition has been going on for years. On behalf of BSF, director general and sector commander at Munabao in Rajasthan border and gave sweets to director general and deputy director general of Sindh rangers and Punjab rangers of Pakistan. Apart from this, BSF DIG, commandant and company commander at over dozens border posts at the international border adjoining Rajasthan gave sweets to DDG, wing commander and company commander of Pak Rangers.

When the entire country was immersed in celebrating Diwali, soldiers posted at the border were busy guarding country so that the nation can celebrate Diwali safely and without any fear. BSF jawans guarding borders hundreds of miles away from their families celebrated Diwali. For the first time BSF women constables also celebrated Diwali at the border. Jawans have decorated border outposts at Indo-Pak border. Lamps and candles at border outposts looked beautiful. The jawans offered prayers at temples. They also distributed sweets and exchanged wishes. Instructions are given that all officers and jawans will celebrate Diwali on border together. Also, strict vigilance has been maintained.

On the occasion of Diwali, BSF Rajasthan Frontier IG, Anil Paliwal, greeted jawans, officers and their families. BSF jawans at the fencing lit candles and celebrated the festival. They also burst crackers.

The jawans who could not celebrate the festival with their families were happy to celebrate it with their colleagues at the border. For them duty and nation come first.

Sector (North) DIG Amit Lodha said that Holi and Diwali are celebrated at the border and on this day to cheer up the jawans who cannot be with their families crackers, lights, diyas, sweets are sent to border outposts.

The DIG said BSF headquarters has made special arrangements so that these jawans do not feel lonely on the festival. Constable Gulsher said, "We all celebrate Diwali at the border, although phone calls are received from home and we remember our family members, but security of the country is our priority therefore, we are celebrating Diwali at the border."

Head constable Hari Singh said that here people of all religions celebrate Diwali together. "It feels that we are with our family members. Though we do miss our families but we do not mind making this small sacrifice for the security of our nation. Our nation is above everything.

ASI Devendra said, "Whether it is Eid or Diwali, we celebrate festivals at the border. The headquarters sends us crackers, lightings, sweets etc and we celebrate Diwali with pomp and show."

BSF woman constable Kusum who hails from Bareli said that the countrymen should celebrate the festival without any fear as they are there to guard the borders. Similarly, Rubi from Eta (UP) said they are celebrating Diwali with BSF colleagues like a family.