PM celebrates Diwali with soldiers

Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand), Nov 7:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Army and ITBP personnel at Harsil near the India-China border in Uttarakhand  on Wednesday.

Greeting the jawans on the occasion, the prime minister said their steadfastness to duty is the countyry’s strength.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 are praised by the international community for their contribution to  UN peacekeeping operations.
The prime minister offered sweets to the jawans. He also interacted with people from nearby areas who had gathered to greet him on Diwali.