PM Modi celebrates Diwali with jawans in Uttarakhand's Harsil

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday celebrated Diwali with Army and ITBP personnel at Harsil village in Uttarakhand, continuing his tradition of celebrating the festival with jawans.

Later, PM Modi also offered prayers at the Kedarnath temple. He also interacted with people from nearby areas who had gathered to greet him on Diwali.

Greeting the jawans on the occasion, the Prime Minister said their devotion to duty in the remote icy heights, is enabling the strength of the nation, and securing the future and the dreams of 125 crore Indians, a statement from his office said.

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He said that Diwali is the festival of lights, it spreads the light of goodness and dispels fear. He said that the jawans, through their commitment and discipline, are also helping to spread the sense of security and fearlessness among the people.


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 jawans of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), years ago when he was part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The Prime Minister said India is taking great strides forward in the defence sector. He spoke of various measures being taken for the welfare of ex-servicemen, including implementation of 'one rank, one pension' (OROP).

Modi said that the Indian Armed Forces draw admiration and appreciation across the world, in UN peacekeeping operations.


Last year also, PM Modi had celebrated Diwali with the jawans of the Army and BSF in Gurez valley along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

This is the fifth successive Diwali that Prime Minister Modi has celebrated with jawans on the border.

(With agency inputs)