Ayodhya is where Lord Ram is, but for me temple is where our security forces stand guard: PM Modi in HP's Lepcha

It is said that Ayodhya is where Lord Ram is, but for me the temple is where our security forces stand guard, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday as he reached Himachal Pradesh’s Lepcha to celebrate Diwali with soldiers.

#WATCH | Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “I come and celebrate Diwali every year with our security forces. It is said that Ayodhya is where Lord Ram is, but for me, the festival is where our security forces are…I have not celebrated any Diwali for… pic.twitter.com/ebXl08V4Mi

— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2023

Addressing a Diwali event on Sunday, he said, “I come and celebrate Diwali every year with our Army personnel. It is said that Ayodhya is where Lord Ram is, but for me, festival is where our security forces are…I have not celebrated any Diwali for the last 30-35 years when I was not with you people. When I was not the PM or CM, even then I visited some or the other border area to celebrate the festival of Diwali….”

PM Modi arrived in Lepcha in the morning.

The prime minister shared photographs of his interactions with the soldiers in which he is seen offering sweets to them.

In his post on X earlier, Modi said, “Spending Diwali with our brave security forces in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh has been an experience filled with deep emotion and pride.”

“Away from their families, these guardians of our nation illuminate our lives with their dedication,” he said.

“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,” the prime minister added.

Special greetings

Extending his warm wishes on the occasion of Diwali, PM Modi said that as he is celebrating the festival of lights with security forces, these Diwali greetings towards people become even more special.

“After Independence, these brave hearts (Army personnel) fought so many wars and won the country’s heart…In the International Peace Mission, India’s global image was improved because of them. Is there any such issue, to which our brave hearts have not provided solution?…” he asked.

Talking about the image of India globally, the Prime Minister said given the situation in the world today, expectations from the country are continuously increasing.

#WATCH | Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “Given the situation in the world today, expectations from India are continuously increasing. In such a situation, it is important that India’s borders remain secure. We are creating an atmosphere of peace in… pic.twitter.com/bSqYC0xAuW

— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2023

“In such a situation, it is important that India’s borders remain secure. We are creating an atmosphere of peace in the country and you have a big role in this. India is safe as long as our Army stands firm and unshakable like the Himalayas, on its borders…,” said PM Modi.

He said that in the past years, in the Indian Army, more than 500 women officers have been given permanent commission.

“Today, women pilots are flying fighter planes like Rafale…” he added.

PM Modi’s Diwali celebrations over the years

Since coming to power in 2014, Modi has been visiting military facilities to celebrate Diwali.

In 2014, the prime minister celebrated the festival of lights with soldiers at the Siachen Glacier. In the following year, on the 50th anniversary of the 1965 war with Pakistan, Modi visited three memorials in Punjab where the Indian armed forces had fought pitched battles that proved to be key to the country’s victory.

In 2016, the prime minister travelled to Himachal Pradesh to meet the personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Dogra Scouts and the Army at Sumdoh near the China border.

Modi, in 2017, was in the Gurez sector in north Kashmir, while in 2018, he celebrated Diwali in Harsil, Uttarakhand, which was followed by a visit to Kedarnath.

After being re-elected to the high office in 2019, Modi celebrated Diwali in Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2020, he was at a border post of Longewala on Diwali and in 2021, he celebrated the festival with soldiers in Nowshera.

The prime minister celebrated Diwali with the armed forces in Kargil last year.

With inputs from agencies