New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today urged the people to light a lamp in honour of brave soldiers while celebrating festivals as they are “firmly stationed on our borders in the line of duty,” so that the country lives in peace.
“I would also like to assure our brave soldiers that despite they being away at the borders, the entire country is with them, wishing well for them. I also salute the sacrifice of those families, whose sons and daughters are on the border today. I express gratitude to each and every person who is away from home and family on account of discharging duty to the country in one way or the other,” PM said in his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address to the nation.
The PM’s comments came on a day when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performed Shastra Puja (worshipping of weapons) in Sikkim near China border with the soldiers of Indian Army on the occasion of Dussehra. Singh embarked on a two-day visit to West Bengal and Sikkim yesterday.
India is locked in a standoff with China for over five months now. The India army has deployed troops along the nearly 3,500 km-long border with China, including Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors. There is no sign of easing of tensions despite several rounds of military and diplomatic level talks.
The PM, in his address, also pointed out that people should show patience and follow Covid-19 guidelines while celebrating during the festive season which includes festivals like Diwali, Valmiki Jayanti, Eid and Guru Nanak Jayanti in the coming days.
He said Dussehra was the victory of good over evil and also of fortitude over adversities. While reiterating his ‘Vocal for Local’ pitch, PM said the farm laws have opened up new avenues for farmers.
-ARK
