PM Modi celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Himachal's Lepcha

PM Modi addresses troops in Himachal Pradesh's Lepcha on Diwali

Today is Diwali, and there is one person who celebrates it not just with his blood family but also with his hundreds of thousands of brothers and sisters at the Border. 

It is India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who celebrates Diwali each year with the brave soldiers of the Indian Army stationed at the Border regions. 

This year PM Modi celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh, which is near the Chinese border.

The Prime Minister, who reached the remote village on Sunday morning, called the experience of spending Diwali with "our brave security forces" in Lepcha "an experience filled with deep emotion and pride." He said, "Away from their families, these guardians of our nation illuminate our lives with their dedication."

"The courage of our security forces is unwavering. Stationed in the toughest terrains, away from their loved ones, their sacrifice and dedication keep us safe and secure. India will always be grateful to these heroes who are the perfect embodiment of bravery and resilience," PM Modi wrote on X.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi wished "wonderful health" to the people in the country in his Diwali message.

"Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali! May this special festival bring joy, prosperity, and wonderful health to everyone’s lives," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a long-standing tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers guarding the country's borders.

Since taking office in 2014, he has made it a point to spend the festival of lights with the armed forces, traveling to remote locations to express his gratitude for their sacrifices. Last year, he celebrated the festival of lights with soldiers in Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the troops there, PM Modi said, "India is safe as long as our Army stands firm and unshakable like the Himalayas, on its borders."

The Prime Minister lauded the Army's role in securing the borders amid the conflicts around the world. "Given the situation in the world today, expectations from India are continuously increasing. In such a situation, India's borders must remain secure. We are creating an atmosphere of peace in the country and you have a big role in this," he told the troops.

He added that India's Army and security forces have constantly contributed towards nation-building.

PM Modi remarked on his tradition of celebrating Diwali with Army jawans and said he has been doing it for the last 30 to 35 years. He said it was a tradition he had been observing even before he became the chief minister of Gujarat or the prime minister.

He also applauded the troops for spending Diwali away from their families and said, "It is said that the festival is celebrated only where there is family, but today, you are all stationed at the borders while being away from your families. It shows the pinnacle of your devotion to duty."

He added that for him, a place where the security forces are deployed is no less than a temple.

PM Modi said India is now emerging as a "global player" in the defense sector and not only are the country's defense needs fulfilled but also those of friendly countries. He added that between Diwali in 2016 and this year, India's defense exports have risen eightfold and the domestic defense production is now Rs 1 lakh crore.

Festivals indeed are to be celebrated with families. When our brave soldiers are away from their families on this special day, it is a kind move by PM Modi to bring the love of the nation to them.