For 13 consecutive years, Narendra Modi has spent Diwali with India’s armed and security forces. Ever since he became Prime Minister in 2014, he has made it a point to celebrate the festival with personnel stationed at some of the country’s most remote and challenging locations.
From the Siachen Glacier and Longewala to Sir Creek and Lepcha; from Kargil and Gurez Valley to Nowshera and, last year, aboard INS Vikrant. These have been places where the men and women in uniform stand guard in some of the harshest environments imaginable. This year, he celebrated Diwali with security personnel at Bastar in Chhattisgarh.
And I like this about Narendra Modi. You can agree or disagree with his politics, but I think this is a tradition worth acknowledging. It is a gesture that draws attention to those who spend the festival away from their families, standing guard while the rest of the country celebrates.
Former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam captured the spirit of this sacrifice beautifully in his poem, ‘My Dear Soldiers’. A heartfelt tribute to the Indian Armed Forces, it speaks of soldiers keeping vigil through windy seasons, snowy days and scorching heat. Of men and women climbing mountain heights, striding lonely valleys, defending deserts and marshes, and keeping watch over our seas and skies.
His words remind us that the prime of a soldier’s youth is given to the nation. That while millions of families gather to light diyas, exchange sweets and celebrate Diwali, many soldiers are away from their loved ones, carrying on with their duty.
There is a simple but powerful thought in all this. While we celebrate the festival of lights in the warmth and security of our homes, someone else is standing watch, often in bitter cold, scorching heat or complete isolation. They may be missing the family gathering, the festive meal and the familiar comforts of home. But they remain at their posts. Not everybody goes home for Diwali. And that is something we should remember when we light our diya for the New Year tonight.
#IndianSoldiers #RealHeroes #NationFirst #GuardiansOfIndia #RespectTheUniform #JaiHind #Diwali2026 #FestivalOfLights
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the foreword in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
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