Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with the personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy and Air Force near the Indo-Pak border,today, at Lakki Nala in Sir Creek area in Gujarat's Kutch. The Prime Minister continued his tradition of celebrating the festival with India’s armed forces. The Prime Minister also visited one of the BOPs in the Creek area and distributed sweets to the brave security personnel.
The Prime Minister expressed his good fortune in celebrating Diwali at Sir Creek with the security personnel, wishing everyone heartfelt congratulations on the festival. This year's celebration is particularly significant due to the installation of Lord Ram in the grand temple of Ayodhya after 500 years, Shri Narendra Modi remarked. The Prime Minister extended warm wishes not only to the soldiers present but also to all servicemen across the country, conveying the gratitude of 1.4 billion citizens for the dedication and sacrifice of security personnel in serving the nation.
The Prime Minister conveyed his deep appreciation for the soldiers' service to the nation, acknowledging the sacrifices they make in challenging environments. Highlighting their bravery and resilience, the Prime Minister asserted that the soldiers represent India's strength and guarantee of security, instilling fear in adversaries. “When the world sees you, it sees the strength of India and when the enemy sees you, it sees the end of evil intentions. When you roar in enthusiasm, the masters of terror tremble. This is the valor of my army, my security forces. I am proud that our soldiers have proven their mettle in every difficult situation”, PM added.
The Prime Minister highlighted the role of the Navy in securing the strategic area of Kutch, particularly its coastline, which faces significant anti-India threats. Sir Creek, emblematic of India’s integrity, has been a focal point for enemy attempts to provoke conflict in the past. The presence and vigilance of the armed forces, including the Navy, provides reassurance to the nation, Shri Modi added, while also recalling the befitting reply given to the enemy during 1971 war.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the current government is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the country's borders. “Today there is a government in the country which cannot compromise even an inch of the country's border. There was a time when in the name of diplomacy, a policy was being worked on to grab Sir Creek by deceit. I had raised the voice of the country as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and this is not the first time I have come to this region”, the PM added. Shri Modi asserted that current policies of the government are aligned with the determination of the armed forces. Trust is placed not in the enemy's words, but in the steadfast resolve of India’s armed forces.
Emphasizing focus on self-reliance in defense, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the government's efforts to modernize India's armed forces to meet the demands of the 21st century. Recent advancements include the inauguration of a C295 aircraft factory in Vadodara and the development of indigenous military assets like the aircraft carrier Vikrant, submarines, and the Tejas fighter jet. India is transitioning from a primarily importing nation to a significant exporter of defense equipment, with defense exports increasing thirtyfold over the past decade, the PM noted.
Underscoring the crucial role of the armed forces in realizing the government's vision of self-reliance, the PM said, “I would congratulate the security forces of the country that they have made a list of more than 5000 military equipment, which they will no longer buy from abroad. This has also given new momentum to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan in the military sector.”
Highlighting the significance of drone technology in modern warfare, the PM said that Drones are posing new challenges to traditional air defense systems. In response, India is enhancing its military capabilities through drone technology, including the acquisition of Predator drones. A strategic plan for drone utilization is being developed, and expressed pride in the involvement of Indian companies and startups in creating indigenous drone solutions, he added.
The Prime Minister underscored the need for better integration among the three branches of the Indian armed forces because of the evolving nature of warfare and the emergence of new security challenges. He said this integration is expected to significantly enhance their collective effectiveness. The establishment of the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) is a key development in strengthening and modernizing the armed forces. Additionally, the move towards Integrated Theater Command aims to improve coordination and collaboration among the three services.
The Prime Minister said, “Our resolution is Nation First. The nation begins from its borders. Therefore, development of border infrastructure is one of the top priorities of the country”. Highlighting the Border Roads Organization (BRO), the PM noted that over 80,000 kilometers of roads have been constructed, including strategically important routes in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. In the past decade, around 400 significant bridges have been built, alongside major tunnels like the Atal and Sela tunnels, which are vital for all-weather connectivity in remote areas. Shri Modi said the BRO is actively advancing the construction of more tunnels across the country to enhance strategic access and support the armed forces.
The Prime Minister shared the changed vision of seeing border villages as remote to being recognized as the "first villages" of the country. Through the Vibrant Village Scheme, these areas are being developed to reflect a dynamic and vibrant India. The Prime Minister highlighted the natural advantages of many border regions, emphasizing their potential for border tourism and economic growth. Initiatives like seaweed farming and mangrove restoration are being promoted to enhance local livelihoods and environmental health. It is a very golden opportunity for the environment of the country. The forests of mangroves that will be created along the border villages of Kutch will attract the tourists in a way similar to the Rann Utsav of Dhordo that has attracted the whole country and the world, the PM underscored.
The Prime Minister highlighted the government's initiative to promote border tourism by encouraging ministers to spend time in Vibrant Villages, increasing interest in these areas among citizens. He emphasized the potential of Kutch as a tourism destination, noting its rich heritage, attractions, and natural beauty. The mangrove forests and marine ecosystems along Kutch and Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat are vital components of this landscape. The government is actively working to expand these mangrove forests through initiatives like the Mishti Yojana, Shri Modi underlined.
Citing the significance of Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Prime Minister said that it is a testament to India's ancient strength and the organized settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization.Highlighting the rich cultural and historical attractions in Kutch, PM said, “Here in Gujarat, at a short distance from the sea, trade centers like Lothal also wrote chapters of India's prosperity at one time. There is the footprint of Guru Nanak Devji in Lakhpat. There is the Koteshwar Mahadev temple of Kutch. Whether it is the temple of Mata Aashapura, or the darshan of Lord Dattatreya on the Kala Dungar hill, or the Rann Utsav of Kutch, or the excitement of seeing Sir Creek, there is so much tourism potential in just one district of Kutch that a whole week would not be enough for a tourist”. The Prime Minister cited the success of border tourism in places like Nadabet as an example of how such initiatives can foster national unity. Similarly, developing Kutch and other border areas will enhance the lives of both residents and soldiers, ultimately strengthening national security and connecting diverse parts of the country.
Concluding his address to the security personnel at Kutch, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi likened the nation to a living consciousness which we worship as Maa Bharati. The Prime Minister acknowledged the sacrifices and hard work of soldiers in ensuring national safety, which is essential for the country’s progress. “Today every citizen of the country is contributing to the development of the nation by giving his 100% because he has faith in you. I believe that this bravery of yours will continue to strengthen the development of India in this way”, the Prime Minister concluded.
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Glad to have celebrated Diwali with our brave personnel from the BSF, Army, Navy, and Air Force at Lakki Nala in the Creek Area, Kutch. This area is both challenging and remote. The days are scorching hot and it also gets cold. The Creek area has other environmental challenges as… pic.twitter.com/LlcNER4XQF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2024
Our security personnel stand firm in the inhospitable of places and protect us. We are very proud of them. pic.twitter.com/FlbxvO2VHw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2024
Went to one of the floating BOPs in the Creek area and shared sweets with our brave security personnel. pic.twitter.com/aZ6pE1eajK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2024
A memorable Diwali with our security personnel in a remote and inhospitable area in Kutch! pic.twitter.com/E0h3MrFMLI
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2024
