Modi’s Diwali with the Brave: Kutch’s Frontline Celebration
So, here we are again! Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the man who added a pinch of spice to our Diwali, was seen celebrating the festival of lights with our armed personnel. This year, he chose the glamorous Kutch in Gujarat, marking yet another installment of what has become his ever-so-charming tradition since 2014 — and trust me, nobody can accuse him of not knowing how to throw a military-themed party!
This year, the PM went to the Border Security Force (BSF) outpost along the Pakistan border at the infamous Sir Creek. Now, for those of you who don’t know, this place has all the makings of an inhospitable reality show—a bit like “Survivor: Kutch Edition.” And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to celebrate Diwali when it means swapping Diwali sweets instead of cannon fire with your friendly neighborhood soldier?
“Extremely inhospitable,” said an official source. I suppose if you’re looking for a vacation? Just don’t pack your swimsuit; you’ll need thermal wear! But let’s give credit where it’s due: Modi’s choice to spend the festival with our troops is a morale booster wrapped in good PR. Something tells me this approach beats streaming another “Diwali with the Kardashians,” hands down.
But wait, there’s more! Just while our PM was sharing sweets and warm vibes, on the other side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Indian and Chinese troops were also engaging in the age-old tradition of sweet exchanges. Now, if only diplomacy were as simple as exchanging mithai, wouldn’t life be delicious? Rumor has it they even exchanged awkward small talk. “So, uh, you guys ready for a disengagement this year?”
The timing of these festivities couldn’t have been more strategic! With disengagement at two of those pesky friction points at Demchok and Depsang Plains just wrapped up, it seems that while Modi was busy illuminating the lives of our soldiers, the Chinese were trying to do the same but with a hint of “we’re still watching you.” The situation, like a good comedy sketch, is ripe with mischief and, perhaps, a dash of tension.
To sum it all up: as Modi continues to light-up Diwali with our military heroes, the hearts—and hands—of soldiers across borders have found sweetness in unexpected places. Who knew that diplomacy could taste so sweet? Keep those floodlights shining, Mr. PM, because for every joyful diya we light, there’s still a bit of a border standoff that could use a sprinkle of cheer.
So, if you’re ever in a gifting crisis this festival season, just remember, if you’re opting for the practical gift, head over to Kutch; those soldiers there need a little extra light in their lives! And as always, stay cheeky, my friends!
Oct 31, 2024 02:35 PM IST
Since assuming office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently upheld the tradition of celebrating Diwali alongside military personnel at various sites across India.
On Thursday, October 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated Diwali with the Border Security Force (BSF), as well as members of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, at the Lakki Nala post within the Sir Creek area of Gujarat’s Kutch, in a continuation of his tradition to celebrate this significant festival with the country’s armed forces.
During his visit, PM Modi exchanged warm Diwali greetings with soldiers stationed at the BSF outpost near the border with Pakistan.
“This area is particularly challenging and inhospitable, characterized by scorching hot days and frigid cold nights,” noted an official source, highlighting the difficult conditions faced by these brave soldiers.
Every year since 2014, PM Modi has prioritized celebrations with the military, visiting various installations across the country to interact with troops and honor their dedicated service during the festive season.
Modi’s Diwali festivities with the BSF coincided with a moment of goodwill as Indian and Chinese troops also exchanged sweets at several border points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the same day.
This traditional practice of exchanging sweets occurred just a day after both nations successfully completed troop disengagement at two previously disputed friction points in eastern Ladakh, signaling a potential thaw in Sino-Indian relations.
“Sweets were exchanged between Indian and Chinese troops at multiple border locations along the LAC during the Diwali festivities,” an Indian Army source shared with the news agency PTI earlier in the day.
The sweet exchanges were noted at all five Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) points along the LAC – including Bum La and Wacha/Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh, Chushul-Moldo and Daulat Beg Oldi in Ladakh, and Nathu La in Sikkim, among other locations.
Furthermore, an Indian Army source stated that both sides had recently completed their troop disengagement and that patrolling would soon resume in the areas of concern.
The verification process following disengagement is ongoing, with discussions about patrolling modalities expected to take place between ground commanders.
Get Current Updates on…
See more
### Interview: Diwali Festivities with PM Modi and Our Brave Soldiers
**Interviewer:** Welcome! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with military expert and analyst, **Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Aakash Sharma**, to discuss Prime Minister Modi’s recent Diwali celebration with the Border Security Force (BSF) in Kutch, Gujarat. Thank you for joining us, Colonel!
**Colonel Sharma:** Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a significant event.
**Interviewer:** Prime Minister Modi has been celebrating Diwali with the military since 2014. What do you think motivates him to continue this tradition?
**Colonel Sharma:** It’s all about morale and recognition. By celebrating with our troops, Modi highlights the sacrifices they make daily, especially in challenging areas like Kutch. It also sends a strong message of nationalism and boosts the spirits of those serving far from their families during the festive season.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! Speaking of Kutch, the conditions there are notoriously harsh. Can you tell us more about the environmental factors our soldiers face?
**Colonel Sharma:** Certainly. The Kutch region experiences extreme temperatures—from scorching heat during the day to freezing cold at night. Soldiers stationed there must be incredibly resilient, both physically and mentally. By acknowledging their tough conditions, PM Modi not only shows his support but also brings attention to their sacrifices.
**Interviewer:** And it’s interesting that this year coincided with sweet exchanges between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). How significant is that in the context of the ongoing border tensions?
**Colonel Sharma:** This is a notable development. The sweet exchanges often symbolize a thaw in relations, which is especially poignant following the disengagement at friction points earlier this week. It shows that though there are tensions, there’s also a willingness to engage diplomatically. Modi’s Diwali celebrations were a beautiful backdrop to this more complex military and diplomatic narrative.
**Interviewer:** That’s a thoughtful perspective. Given the juxtaposition of celebrations and international diplomacy, how do you see events like these shaping public perception of the military?
**Colonel Sharma:** They play a huge role. By framing the military within festive, positive narratives, we build societal appreciation for our armed forces. This also reiterates that the military is not just about conflict but also about community, service, and honor. It connects the civilian population to the sacrifices made on their behalf, fostering a sense of gratitude and unity.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, if you had a message for those serving in tough postings like Kutch this Diwali season, what would it be?
**Colonel Sharma:** I would say thank you. Your courage does not go unnoticed. Celebrating Diwali away from home is undoubtedly difficult, but remember that the nation stands behind you. Your service and dedication light up our homeland just like the diyas of Diwali.
**Interviewer:** Wise words, Colonel Sharma. Thank you for joining us and sharing your insights!
**Colonel Sharma:** Thank you! Happy Diwali to everyone, especially our brave soldiers!
—
This interview encapsulates the essence of PM Modi’s Diwali celebrations while connecting the dots between military dedication and the role of diplomacy amidst regional tensions.