Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the festival of Diwali by joining soldiers stationed in the remote and strategically important area of Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh, near the India-China border.
Sharing snapshots of the occasion on X, PM Modi said, "Reached Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces." Sporting an olive-green attire, the Prime Minister engaged in conversations with the soldiers, continuing a tradition he started in 2014.
Lepcha, situated in the expansive Lahaul-Spiti district covering 13,835 sq km, faces challenging climatic conditions, characterized by sub-zero temperatures dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius in winter—a testament to the region's cold desert landscape.
Since assuming office, PM Modi has consistently celebrated Diwali with the armed forces, choosing locations such as the International Border, the Line of Actual Control, or the Line of Control. Notable instances include his 2014 celebration at Siachen Glacier, 2015 at the Amritsar border, and 2016 in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. In subsequent years, he commemorated the festival with soldiers in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand (2018), Rajouri, Jammu (2019), Jaisalmer, Rajasthan (2020), Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir (2021), and Kargil (2022).
By consistently demonstrating solidarity with the armed forces in diverse locations, PM Modi underscores the nation's appreciation for their service and sacrifice, fostering a tradition that resonates with the spirit of Diwali.
(With agency inputs)
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