PM Narendra Modi Visits Gurez Valley to Celebrate Diwali: Calls Army Jawans ‘Family’, Brings up OROP

PM Modi reminded the jawans of the new resolve that each Indian citizen must make for 2022, the 75th anniversary of Independence.

Srinagar, October 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday celebrated Diwali with Indian Army jawans in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gurez sector. PM Modi exchanged greetings with soldiers of the 15 Corps and offered them sweets while appreciating their sacrifice for the country. He also mentioned the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for armed forces and said it will be implemented in stages.

PM Narendra Modi, visited the Gurez valley, along with Army chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officers, which lies along the Line of Control in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir to celebrate Diwali with jawans. After his visit to Kashmir in Diwali 2014, this was his second visit to Kashmir on Diwali. In his interaction with jawans, PM Modi said that he considers them as a part of “his family.”

He said, “I have an opportunity to spend the festival of Diwali with you. The presence of brave soldiers at the border, on this festive occasion, lights the lamp of hope, and generates new energy among crores of Indians.”

I have an opportunity to spend the festival of Diwali with you. The presence of brave soldiers at the border, on this festive occasion, lights the lamp of hope, and generates new energy among crores of Indians: PM @narendramodi to our brave Jawans pic.twitter.com/Jgqzt2cuph

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2017

He emphasised that the uniform is a sign of respect and among the armed forces, he is with his ‘near and dear ones’. He said, “The uniform has immense respect, be it the Army, Navy or Air Force. Like any other person, I too would love to spend my Diwali with near and dear ones. And that’s why I’m here, as you are my family.”

Glad to have celebrated Diwali with our brave Army and BSF Jawans in the Gurez Valley, Jammu and Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/ebCM4JO6jc

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2017

PM Modi said that like everyone else, he too wishes to spend Diwali with his family and that is why he had come among the jawans of the armed forces. He added that he gets new energy when he spends time among the jawans and assured them that the government was committed to welfare and betterment of the armed forces.

As per a report, in the visitors’ book, the PM wrote: “Protecting the Motherland, far from your loved ones, displaying the highest traditions of sacrifice, all soldiers at the nation’s borders, are symbols of bravery and dedication. I have an opportunity to spend the festival of Diwali with you. The presence of brave soldiers at the border, on this festive occasion, lights the lamp of hope and generates new energy among crores of Indians.

To accomplish the dream of “New India,” this is a golden opportunity for all of us to work together. The Army too is a part of it. Greetings to all of you on Diwali.”

Modi also plauded the troops for their efforts and sacrifice in guarding the nation and highlighted the extreme weather conditions under which the troops operate.

Praising Army jawans for practising yoga, the Prime Minister said that jawans who leave the Armed Forces after completing their duty tenure can become excellent yoga trainers.

Spending time with our Forces gives me new energy. We exchanged sweets & interacted. Happy to know the Jawans practice Yoga regularly. pic.twitter.com/zvHmaO8bPv

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2017

PM Modi reminded the jawans of the new resolve that each Indian citizen must make for 2022, the 75th anniversary of Independence. The PM encouraged the jawans to innovate so that their routine tasks and duties become easier and safer. He stated that best innovations are now given importance and awarded on the occasion of Army Day, Navy Day, and Air Force Day.