Mann Ki Baat: PM Narendra Modi applauds soldiers for their courage, sacrifice, dedicates Diwali to armed forces

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation through its Mann Ki Baat programme on the occasion of Diwali. The PM lauded the courage of our soldiers and thanked the nation for sending them messages.

PM Modi began his address by extending his Diwali greetings to the nation.

Here's what he said:

- Diwali is a festival that is also associated with cleanliness. Every body clean their homes, but it is the need of the hour is to clean the area around us.

- Diwali is a festival that is being celebrated world over.

- India's culture and festivals make us aware about our environment and instills sense of responsibility towards plants, birds, rivers, animals and mountains.

- Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lit up Diyas on the occasion of Diwali and tweeted a picture of him.

- Britain Prime Minister Theresa May also accorded a reception to celebrate Diwali.

- PM dedicated Diwali to the armed forces, who are guarding the borders 365 days, so that we can live in peace and celebrate festivals like Diwali.

- From last few months our jawans (soldiers) are sacrificing their lives, we should celebrate this Diwali in their name," PM Modi said.

- He urged the people to lit a 'diya' in memory of the jawans posted at various units of the Indian armed forces.

- The Prime Minister said every citizen of the country is proud of our soldiers, adding that people from walks of life sent messages of love and encouragement for our jawans (soldiers), just as they light candles for their well being.

- Recognising the works of the Armed forces, PM Modi, Be it BSF (Border Security Force), CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), Assam Rifles, ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police), Navy, Air Force, our jawans are on duty and guarding us. That is why we are celebrating Diwali joyfully."

- PM applauded soldiers for their undying love and sacrifice for the country.

- The Prime Minister thanked the people for sending Diwali greetings to the soldiers.

- PM congratulates Himachal Pradesh and Skikkim for attaining the status of 'Open Defecation Free States'. He laid confidence in Kerala to soon follow the path.

- He thanked enggineering students of Kerala, who are actively involved in making the state 'Open Defecation Free'.

- The PM appealled the people to take a pledge to address concerns of poor and needy people, stop distinguishing between girl and boy child.

- PM implores citizens to be a responsible citizen and take government policies to villages and to those who have not been to avail of it.

- PM Modi remembered Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and addressed him as 'The nation builder'. He urged the countrymen to pledge for unity on this Ekta Divas, which would observe don the death anniversary of Dardar Patel (31st October, 2016).

- Sardar Patel has a rich contribution in strengthening the cooperative movement in India. He was always dedicated to farmer welfare, PM said.

- The Prime Minister paid tributes to Guru Nanak during his Mann Ki Baat programme.

- PM Narendra Modi ends Mann Ki Baat by wishing all a very Happy Diwali! "May you all have Peaceful and happy life... Thank you," he said.