In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation and unity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Kachchh, Gujarat, today. Dressed in an Army uniform, he distributed sweets to personnel from the BSF, Army, Navy, and Air Force stationed at Lakki Nala in Sir Creek. This visit is part of Modi's ongoing tradition of spending the festival with security forces, a practice he has upheld since taking office in 2014.

Over the years, Prime Minister Modi has visited various military locations during Diwali, including Siachen in 2014, the Punjab border in 2015, and multiple sites in Jammu and Kashmir, among others. During his inaugural visit to Siachen, he emphasized the sacrifices made by soldiers, stating that 125 crore Indians can celebrate the festival peacefully because of their vigilance at the borders. He expressed his intent to celebrate Diwali as a representative of the families of these brave personnel.

Today’s visit coincided with National Unity Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure in India's integration post-Independence. Modi attended grand celebrations at the Statue of Unity in Kewadiya, highlighting the significance of the day as it falls on Diwali. He announced the commencement of a two-year celebration marking Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary, reinforcing the themes of national unity and gratitude towards those who serve the country.

This dual celebration of Diwali and National Unity Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and respect for the sacrifices made by India's armed forces.