PM Modi Celebrates Diwali Aboard INS Vikrant with Navy Personnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali this year aboard the INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, alongside Navy personnel stationed off the coasts of Goa and Karwar. For over a decade, Modi has made it a tradition to mark this significant festival with the armed forces, often in remote and challenging locations. This year’s celebration underscored the nation’s commitment to strengthening its naval capabilities and enhancing maritime security.

Addressing sailors and officers from the deck of the warship, the Prime Minister described the occasion as a representation of India’s growing strength. “Today, on one side, I have infinite horizons and infinite sky, and on the other side, I have this giant, INS Vikrant, embodying infinite powers,” he stated. Modi reaffirmed his dedication by expressing his intention to continue this annual practice, saying, “It has become a habit of mine to celebrate Diwali with my family, and that’s why every year I come to celebrate Diwali with my family.”

A Tradition Rooted in Crisis

This practice dates back to 2001, when Modi, then the Chief Minister of Gujarat, spent his first Diwali in Kutch after a devastating earthquake struck the region. His decision to stand with those affected set a precedent for future celebrations. In 2009, his visit to Nathu La on the Indo-China border further reinforced this approach. In the visitors’ book, he wrote, “To the brave soldiers devoted to our Motherland, my warm Diwali greetings. It has been my privilege to celebrate Diwali with our jawans on the border. India is proud of you. Your duty is not just service; it is ‘sadhana’, it is ‘tapasya’. May the Almighty bless you and your families with happiness, peace, and fulfillment. Always by your side. Narendra Modi. Diwali. 16 October 2009.”

Since assuming office as Prime Minister in 2014, Modi has consistently chosen military posts that are both strategically significant and geographically challenging for his Diwali celebrations. The locations have included:

– **2014** – Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield
– **2015** – Border outpost in Punjab
– **2016** – Sumdoh, near the China border in Himachal Pradesh
– **2017** – Gurez sector in North Kashmir
– **2018** – Harsil, Uttarakhand
– **2019** – Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir
– **2020** – Longewala, Rajasthan’s desert post
– **2021** – Nowshera, Jammu & Kashmir
– **2022** – Kargil, Ladakh
– **2023** – Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh
– **2024** – Sir Creek, Gujarat

The Impact of Diwali Celebrations

This year’s celebration aboard the INS Vikrant highlights the growing emphasis on maritime security and showcases India’s naval capabilities. While the gesture is symbolic, it carries profound significance for the armed forces. It fosters a sense of connection between the highest political office and the soldiers serving in isolation, often far from their families. Celebrating Diwali under such conditions acts as an emotional bridge, reinforcing the sentiment that the nation stands united with its defenders.

Beyond being a ritual, Modi’s Diwali with the forces serves as a powerful reminder of service, sacrifice, and solidarity. It reflects a leadership style that is grounded in presence and commitment, resonating deeply with the values of the military community. This annual event strengthens the bond between the government and the armed forces, emphasizing the importance of morale and unity in service to the nation.