Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Deepavali greetings to the people of India on Tuesday, drawing a parallel between the teachings of Lord Ram and India’s recent military operation, Operation Sindoor. In a letter addressed to the nation, the Prime Minister said that the operation exemplified the country’s resolve to uphold righteousness and avenge injustice – values central to Lord Ram’s life and message.
“This is the second Deepavali after the grand construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Lord Shri Ram teaches us to uphold righteousness and also gives us the courage to fight injustice. We saw a living example of this during Operation Sindoor, when Bharat not only upheld righteousness but also avenged injustice,” said PM Modi.
Highlighting the festival’s deeper significance this year, the Prime Minister said that for the first time, lamps will be lit in several districts – including remote areas – where Naxalism and Maoist terrorism have been eradicated. He commended individuals who have renounced violence and joined the mainstream of development, calling it “a major achievement for the nation.”
“This Deepavali is particularly special because, for the first time, lamps will be lit in many districts across the country, including remote areas. These are districts where Naxalism and Maoist terrorism have been eradicated from the root,” he said.
The Prime Minister also pointed to recent economic reforms undertaken by the government, including the reduction in GST rates implemented on the first day of Navratri. “During this ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ (Savings Festival), citizens are saving thousands of crores of rupees,” he said.
Reflecting on India’s progress, PM Modi noted that despite global crises, the country has emerged as a “symbol of both stability and sensitivity” and is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy in the near future.
Calling upon citizens to contribute to the nation’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), the Prime Minister urged people to adopt Swadeshi (local) products, uphold cleanliness, and prioritize health and fitness.
“In this journey of a developed and self-reliant Bharat, our primary responsibility as citizens is to fulfill our duties towards the nation. Let us adopt Swadeshi and proudly say: ‘This is Swadeshi!’ Let us promote the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,’ respect all languages, and maintain cleanliness. Let us also reduce the use of oil in our food and embrace Yoga,” he said.
Concluding his message, PM Modi said that the true spirit of Deepavali lies in spreading positivity and unity. “Deepavali teaches us that when one lamp lights another, its light does not diminish – it grows. With that spirit, let us light lamps of harmony, cooperation, and positivity in our society,” he said, wishing citizens a very Happy Deepavali.