Uttarakhand: PM Modi celebrates Diwali with ITBP jawans

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday celebrated Diwali with jawans of the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), at Harsil in Uttarakhand.

Greeting the jawans on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that 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.

Prime Minister Modi 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 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 OROP (One Rank, One Pension).

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

Addressing the jawans here on OROP, he said, "As an RSS member, I got opportunity to live among Army men. At that time I heard a lot about One Rank One Pension. Many governments came and left. Since I was connected to you I understood your emotions. So, after becoming Prime Minister it was my responsibility to fulfill your dreams of OROP."

The Prime Minister offered sweets to the jawans. He also interacted with people from nearby areas who had gathered to greet him on Diwali.