PM Modi celebrates Diwali with soldiers at Longewala

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian Army soldiers in Jaisalmer. Modi on Saturday morning reached Longewala in Jaisalmer. PM Modi was accompanied by CDS Bipin Rawat and Army Chief general Manoj Mukund Naravane. Speaking to soldiers  PM Modi said, "If anyone remembers the name of a post in the country, then it is the Longewala post. On this post, your colleagues have written such a saga of valour that people remember it fondly. The Battle of Longewala is remembered whenever history of military skill is written," he said. The Longewala post is a strategic post on the western border where the first major battle of the 1971 war, known as the Battle of Longewala, was fought.

“India is proud of our forces who protect our nation courageously,” PM Modi said. “Whenever the valour of our soldiers is talked about, Battle of Longewala will be remembered. Our soldiers gave a befitting reply to Pakistani soldiers in that battle,” the PM said. “The Battle of Longewala proved that no one can stand in front of the combined might of Indian forces - Army, Navy and Air Force,” PM Modi said.

The PM also said that expansionism is a mental disorder and the whole world is troubled by the expansionist force. “Today the whole world is troubled by expansionist forces. Expansionism is, in a way, a mental disorder and reflects 18th-century thinking. India is also becoming a strong voice against this thinking,” he said.  Modi concluded his speech with three requests. “My first request is, try to create something new. Second, make sure yoga is a part of your life. And my third request is, learn a language other than your own mother tongue,” PM Modi said.