‘You make it possible for all Indians to celebrate', PM Modi tells jawans in Siachen

Siachen: Boosting the morale of the armed forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told the soldiers stationed at the Siachen base camp that the nation is proud of its three wings: army, air force and navy.

Read: PM Modi spends time with soldiers at Siachen, says happy to be with them on Diwali

Addressing the officers and jawans at the Siachen base camp, which is situated at a height of over 12,000 feet, Prime Minister Modi praised their valour and courage, saying that 125 crore Indians could celebrate Diwali and go about their lives in comfort because the jawans stood guard at the borders and were prepared to make every sacrifice for the nation.

He stated that the nation is proud of all three wings of the armed forces.

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Asserting that it is a rare opportunity to be called upon to defend the country in such difficult conditions, the Prime Minister said that he had come to the camp as a representative of the family members of the soldiers serving Mother India at the borders.

He further said he is privileged that his first Diwali as the Prime Minister will be spent partly with the jawans of Siachen, and partly with those affected by the floods in Srinagar.

“I have come to spend my first Diwali as prime minister with you. 125 crore Indians can celebrate Diwali today and go about their lives in comfort because the jawans guard the borders, prepared to make every sacrifice for the nation,” said Modi.

"As countrymen light diyas today, they should recall that the warmth of the earthen lamps has been fuelled by the sweat and toil of the jawans of the Indian armed forces. Let those jawans inspire the rest of the country to work towards achieving the dreams and aspirations of the common man," Modi said while addressing the soldiers here.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi extended the nation Diwali greetings from Siachen, the world highest battleground, as he interacted with the troops stationed here.

Read: After spending Diwali with soldiers at Siachen, PM Modi arrives in Srinagar

"From the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier and with the brave Jawans and Officers of the Armed Forces, I wish all of you a Happy Diwali," he tweeted.