Prime Minister,  Narendra Modi at Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi celebrating Diwali with the soldiers, in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir on October 27, 2019.

New Delhi. 27 October 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the festival of Diwali with soldiers of Indian Army at the Line of Control in Rajouri district of Jammu & Kashmir.

Prime Minister visited the ‘Hall of Fame’ in Rajouri and paid homage to the gallant soldiers and brave citizens who laid down their lives to protect Rajouri and Poonch sectors. Later, Prime Minister visited the Pathankot airbase to meet the  air warriors of the Indian Air Force .

Modi distributing sweets

Addressing the soldiers, Prime Minister said that everyone endeavours to travel far and wide to celebrate the festival of Diwali with their family and likewise the PM too travelled to be with the members of his family, the brave Jawans of the Armed Forces.

Prime Minister recalled the supreme sacrifices made by the armed forces on October 27 1947, also celebrated as Infantry Day. Hailing the valour of the Indian Defence Forces, he said they have made it possible for the Central Government to take decisions which were hitherto considered impossible. He highlighted the courage and fortitude of the forces in safeguarding national security. He thanked them on behalf of the people of the country for their monumental service.

PM celebrates Diwali with soldiers

To pay homage to and mark their contributions, the government endeavoured to etch the landmark National War Memorial in the Capital, the Prime Minister said. He added that the increasing number of visitors to the National War Memorial shows the respect accorded by the citizens towards the contributions of armed forces.

Modi addressing the soldiers, at the celebration of Diwali
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the soldiers, at the celebration of Diwali, in Pathankot, Punjab on October 27, 2019.

Prime Minister listed the steps being taken by the Government to further strengthen and modernize the Indian defence forces. He added that the Government is committed to taking steps to ensure the welfare of soldiers.