Mann Ki Baat: PM Narendra Modi lauds valour, sacrifices of soldiers, dedicates Diwali to Army

NEW DELHI: Showering his praise on the armed forces guarding the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated this year's Diwali to the jawans. Addressing the nation in the 25th edition of his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme, Prime Minister Modi said that he was flooded with messages full of wishes and love for the jawans. PM, during his visit, spent time with Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Army jawans at Sumdo, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. In run up to Diwali, the Prime Minister had urged people to send their good wishes to security forces personnel on Diwali, saying such messages will boost their morale. He also made an unscheduled stop at Chango village, close to Somdu, to wish people on Diwali. "Was deeply touched by the impromptu reception and their joy," PM tweeted. "Dedicate this Diwali to our soldiers. #Sandesh2Soldiers hashtag was used so much by everyone and we were flooded with well wishes and love for jawans from citizens. Be it BSF, CRPF etc, our jawans are on duty and guarding us; that is why we are celebrating Diwali joyfully," said the Prime Minister. "The Jawans are not only active in the borders but also make their presence felt in all fronts of life including natural calamities," he added. Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to urge the nation to keep away from divisive ideas. "It is the responsibility of every government to search the opportunities of unity and highlight the elements of it. The Prime minister said, people should save themselves and the country from the divisive ideas and thinking," he said. The Prime Minister also lauded ITBP jawan Vikas Thakur, who contributed hard earned salary to make his village open defecation free. He said sublime gestures of people like Vikas Thakur have made Himachal Pradesh attain the ODF state. (With inputs from agencies)