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Bharat Mata ki Jai! 

Bharat Mata ki Jai! 

Bharat Mata ki Jai!

Today is a remarkable day, this moment is unforgettable, and this sight is extraordinary. On one side of me lies the vast, boundless ocean, and on the other side is the immense strength of the brave soldiers of Maa Bharati. On one side of me lies the infinite horizon and endless sky, and on the other side stands the mighty and magnificent INS Vikrant, embodying infinite power within itself. The sparkle of sunlight on the water of the sea is, in a way, like the Deepavali lamps lit by our brave soldiers. These are our divine garlands of light. It is my great fortune that this time I am celebrating the sacred festival of Diwali amidst the valiant warriors of our Navy.

Friends,

It’s hard to express the experience in words the night I spent yesterday on INS Vikrant. I saw the excitement and enthusiasm that filled all of you. When I saw you singing songs of your own creation yesterday, and the way you described Operation Sindoor in those songs … perhaps no poet could express the feelings that a soldier standing on the battlefield can. On one hand, I witnessed military might before my eyes.

Friends,

These great ships, these aircraft that fly faster than the wind and these submarines all have their own place. But it is your spirit, your passion, that breathes life into them. These ships may be made of iron, but when you board them, they become living, fearless forces of valour. I’ve been among you since yesterday, and every single moment has taught me something new, shown me something new. When I left Delhi, my heart longed to live this very moment.

But friends,

Your hard work, your dedication, your discipline, your devotion, all of it is on such a high level, such a great height, that I have not been able to fully live it myself. But I have certainly been able to understand it.  I’ve come to know it. I can imagine how difficult it must be to live that life. But when I was close to you, experiencing your breath, feeling your heartbeat, seeing that sparkle in your eyes last night, then I went to sleep a bit early, which I usually don’t. Perhaps the reason I fell asleep early was the deep sense of contentment I felt after watching you all throughout the day. It wasn’t just sleep; it was peaceful sleep born from that inner satisfaction.

Friends,

The deep night over the ocean and the sunrise this morning has made my Diwali very special in many ways. So once again, I extend my heartfelt Diwali wishes to all of you! Wishing you all, and from this heroic land of INS Vikrant Diwali greetings to every citizen of the country, and especially to your families as well!

Friends,

On the festival of Diwali, everyone wishes to celebrate it with their families. I, too, have grown used to celebrating Diwali with my family. And since you are my family, I have come here, among you, to celebrate Diwali. I am celebrating this Diwali with my family and that’s what makes this Diwali so special for me.

Friends,

I remember when INS Vikrant was dedicated to the nation, I had said: Vikrant is vast, grand, awe-inspiring. Vikrant is unique, it is exceptional. Vikrant is not just a warship, it is a symbol of Bharat’s hard work, talent, impact, and commitment in the 21st century. You all will remember the day Bharat received the indigenous INS Vikrant, our Navy also let go of a major symbol of colonialism. Inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, our Navy adopted a new naval ensign. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai! Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai! Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai!

Friends,

Our INS Vikrant today is a powerful symbol of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and ‘Made in India’. Cutting through the ocean, the indigenous INS Vikrant reflects Bharat’s military strength. Just a few months ago, we saw how even the very name of Vikrant sent shockwaves through Pakistan, stealing their sleep at night.  Such is INS Vikrant, a name that alone can crush the enemy’s courage. That is INS Vikrant! That is INS Vikrant! That is INS Vikrant!

Friends,

On this occasion, I especially want to salute our armed forces. The fear created by the Indian Navy, the extraordinary skill shown by the Indian Air Force, and the bravery of the Indian Army along with the remarkable coordination of all three forces forced Pakistan to surrender so quickly during Operation Sindoor. And so, friends, once again, from this sacred place of service, this land of valour aboard INS Vikrant, I salute the brave soldiers of all three armed forces.

Friends,

When the enemy is in sight, when war is imminent, the position of one who has the strength to fight on their own is always stronger. For the forces to be strong, it is essential that they are self-reliant. These brave soldiers are born from this very soil, raised in it. The mother whose lap they were born from has also been nurtured in this same soil. And that is why they carry an inner inspiration: to give their all, even their lives, for the honour of this motherland. Even if I bring in the strongest, tallest soldiers from around the world and offer them all the money, will they be ready to die like you do? Will they give it all like you do? The strength that comes from being Indian, from having your life deeply rooted in Bharat’s soil, in the same way, as every tool, every weapon, every component becomes Indian, our strength will multiply manifold. We are proud that our armed forces have made rapid strides toward self-reliance in the past decade. Our armed forces made a list of thousands of items and decided that these will no longer be imported. As a result, most of the essential equipment for the forces is now being produced within the country. In the last 11 years, our defence production has more than tripled. Just last year, it crossed a record of 1.5 lakh crore rupees. Let me share another example with the nation: Since 2014, the Indian Navy has received more than 40 indigenous warships and submarines from Indian shipyards. To all fellow Indians listening, remember this number. I’m confident that once you hear this, the light of your Diwali lamps will shine even brighter. What is our capability today? On average, one new indigenous warship or submarine is being added to the Navy every 40 days. Every 40 days!

Friends,

Our missiles like BrahMos and Akash proved their capabilities in Operation Sindoor as well. BrahMos — just the name alone creates fear. The moment people hear BrahMos is coming, many start to worry! Now, several countries around the world want to buy these missiles. Whenever I meet world leaders, many express the same desire that they want them too! Bharat is now building the capacity to export weapons and defence equipment for all three services. Our goal is to place Bharat among the world's top defence exporters. In the last decade, our defence exports have grown over 30 times! Behind this success is the huge role played by our defence startups and indigenous defence manufacturing units. Even our startups are showing great strength and innovation today!

Friends,

When it comes to power and capability, Bharat has always followed the tradition of: ज्ञानाय दानाय च रक्षणाय! i.e., Knowledge, prosperity, and strength and all for the service and protection of humanity. Today, in this interconnected world, when global economies and development depend heavily on maritime trade routes, the Indian Navy plays a critical role in global stability. Today, 66% of the world’s oil supply, and 50% of global container shipments pass through the Indian Ocean. And in securing these routes, the Indian Navy stands guard like the sentinel of the Indian Ocean. And you are the ones doing this job. Moreover, Indian Navy is acting as a global security partner through mission-based deployments, anti-piracy patrols, and humanitarian assistance operations, in this entire region.

Friends,

Our Navy plays a major role in ensuring the security and integrity of our islands. Some time ago, we decided that the Tricolour must be hoisted on every island of the country on Republic Day. The Navy has been fulfilling this resolution every 26th January with great pride and honour. I congratulate our Navy for that! Today, the Indian Navy is hoisting the Tricolour on every island of Bharat.

Friends,

As Bharat moves ahead rapidly, we are also striving to ensure that all countries of the Global South progress alongside us. For this, we are working swiftly on the “SAGAR – Maritime Vision”. We are becoming development partners for many nations, and whenever required, we are ready to extend humanitarian assistance anywhere in the world. From Africa to Southeast Asia, the world now looks to Bharat as a true global friend in times of disaster and crisis.  In 2014, when our neighbouring country Maldives faced a drinking water crisis, we launched Operation Neer, and our Navy reached there with fresh water supplies. In 2017, when Sri Lanka was hit by devastating floods, Bharat was the first to extend a helping hand. In 2018, when a tsunami struck Indonesia, Bharat stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Indonesia in rescue and relief efforts. Similarly, whether it was the earthquake in Myanmar, or the crises in Mozambique in 2019 and Madagascar in 2020, Bharat reached everywhere with a spirit of service and compassion.

Friends,

Our armed forces have also conducted rescue operations to bring back Indians trapped abroad from time to time. From Yemen to Sudan, wherever there was a need, your courage and valour greatly strengthened the faith of Indians living across the world. We have not only saved thousands of our own citizens but also rescued citizens of other nations trapped in those countries and safely brought them home. 

Friends,

Our military forces have served the nation on land, at sea, and in the air, with complete dedication, sensitivity, and devotion. At sea, our Navy safeguards the nation’s maritime borders and trade interests. In the skies, our Air Force remains ever committed to Bharat’s security. On land, from the scorching deserts to the icy glaciers, our Army, BSF, and ITBP personnel stand like an unbreakable wall.  Similarly, on various other fronts, the SSB, Assam Rifles, CRPF, CISF, and our intelligence agencies work seamlessly as one unit in the service of Maa Bharati.  I also take this opportunity to appreciate the Indian Coast Guard, which works in perfect coordination with the Navy to secure our coastline day and night. Their contribution to this grand mission of national defence is truly immense.

Friends,

It is because of the valour and courage of our security forces that the country has achieved another major success in recent years and this achievement is the elimination of Maoist terrorism. Today, the country stands on the brink of complete freedom from Naxalite-Maoist violence, and that liberation is knocking on the door! Friends, before 2014, around 125 districts in the country were affected by Maoist violence. Over the past 10 years, this number has kept declining from 125 districts down to just 11, and even among these, only 3 districts show traces of their influence. Out of 125, only 3 remain! For the first time, more than a hundred districts are now completely free from Maoist terror, breathing the fresh air of freedom and celebrating a truly joyous Diwali. After generations of fear and violence, millions of people are now stepping into the mainstream of development. In regions where Maoists once prevented roads, schools, and hospitals from being built, where they blew up existing schools and shot doctors, and where they didn’t allow even mobile towers to be installed, today highways are being built, industries are emerging, and schools and hospitals are shaping the future of the children. This success belongs entirely to the sacrifice, dedication, and courage of our security forces. I am happy that this year, people will celebrate Diwali with pride and happiness for the first time ever in many of these districts.

Friends,

Today, I stand among our brave soldiers. Our Navy personnel are those who walk fearlessly with death in their hands and courage and risk come naturally to you. But think of our police personnel, who usually carry nothing more than a stick. They don’t have the same kind of resources or training, their work involves maintaining peace and harmony with civilians. Yet, these very police forces, be it BSF, CRPF, or others, have fought the Naxalites with exceptional bravery. The battles they have fought deserve the highest praise. On this sacred festival of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all my police personnel. I know of many such brave men and women who have lost their legs but not their spirit, who have lost their arms but not their courage; some can no longer walk without a wheelchair, yet their hearts remain unshaken. I know families who were targeted by Maoist extremists, their limbs were cut off, their villages made unlivable. These countless heroes have endured immense pain and made great sacrifices so that peace could prevail, so that citizens could live better lives, and children could study and dream of a brighter future. They gave themselves for the nation’s peace and progress.

Friends,

Perhaps for the first time since independence, our police forces faced such a massive challenge. But I am confident that they have nearly eradicated this 50-year-old scourge in the last 10 years, they have succeeded in about 90% of the cases. You understand warfare well, but when war is fought within one’s own land, it requires immense patience and restraint, ensuring that no innocent life is lost. It’s been a remarkable effort and one day, volumes will be written about how this form of internal guerrilla warfare was handled. The world will study how Bharat’s brave forces destroyed Maoist terrorism through their valour and strategy. We, as Indians, are proud of this that such heroism has taken root in our very soil.

Friends,

Today, these very districts are seeing record levels of sales and purchases during the GST Bachat Utsav (Savings Festival). In areas where once Maoists didn’t even allow the mention of the Constitution, where its existence was denied, today the spirit of “Swadeshi” (self-reliance) echoes in every corner. Misguided youth who once carried 303 rifles are now embracing the Constitution.

Friends,

Bharat today is advancing at a remarkable pace. We are fulfilling the dreams of 140 crore countrymen. From the land to the skies, what was once unimaginable is now becoming reality before our eyes. This momentum, progress, and transformation reflect the faith of the nation, and from that faith springs the mantra of development. In this great journey of nation-building, our armed forces have a monumental role. You are not those who merely flow with the current. गंगा कहे गंगादास, जमुना कहे जमुनादास, this is not in the Army’s veins, No, you are not ones who drift. You have the power to direct the current, to change its course! You have the courage to guide time itself, the valour to cross the impossible, and the spirit to overcome every obstacle. The mountain peaks where our soldiers stand firm have become symbols of Bharat’s triumph. The seas on which our Navy stands guard, even the mighty waves of the ocean seem to chant Bharat’s victory. “Bharat Mata ki Jai!” — not just your voices, but every wave echoes it. You have inspired even the ocean’s tides to proclaim “Victory to Maa Bharati!” From the roar of the sea, the winds from the mountains, the dust from the deserts, if one listens carefully with heart and mind united, a single voice emerges from every grain of soil and every drop of water: Bharat Mata ki Jai! Bharat Mata ki Jai!” With this spirit of enthusiasm and confidence, I once again extend my heartfelt Diwali greetings to all of you, your families, and the 140 crore citizens of the country. May you always nurture victory, faith, and resolve within you. May your dreams take flight and reach new heights. 

Now, together with me, say it aloud: Bharat Mata ki Jai! Bharat Mata ki Jai! Bharat Mata ki Jai! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Vande Mataram! Thank you very much!

 

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MJPS/VJ/VK/AK

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