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Virat Kohli's heartfelt video message to jawans on Diwali — WATCH

"Whenever you see a jawan, salute them. We get to celebrate festivals & live in peace because of them," wrote Kohli.

Virat Kohli's heartfelt video message to jawans on Diwali — WATCH

New Delhi: India Test captain Virat Kohli has joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's #Sandesh2Soldiers campaign to send Diwali wishes to soldiers on Thursday with a personal message to the bravehearts.

Kohli, 27, posted a heartening video message on micro-blogging site Twitter yesterday, and hailed the sacrifices made by the soldiers who stay away from home, and their loves ones even during the times of festivities.

"I, Virat Kohli, want to wish on this Diwali our jawans all the best," he wrote on Twitter. I know what it means staying away from the family. The way you protect our country is worth a lot of praise. My brothers, keep faith that I and the entire country will always be with you," he said.

He also wrote, "whenever you see a jawan, salute them. We get to celebrate festivals & live in peace because of them. Jai Hind #Sandesh2Soldiers".

The PM's campaign has found a huge number of participants, with many celebrities, politicians and people from different walks of life tweeting their good wishes to jawans.

It's pertinent to note that post Uri attack, which claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers in Kashmir last month, and the subsequent surgical strike, relationship between India and Pakistan has hit an all-time low and the neighbours have resorted to war rhetorics.

On Thursday, PM Modi, retweeted many of these Diwali wishes.

Earlier, Modi tweeted "I sent my #Sandesh2Soldiers. You could also do the same. Your wishes will certainly make our forces very happy. This Diwali, let us remember our courageous armed forces who constantly protect our nation. Jai Hind. When 125 crore people stand with soldiers, their power increases by 125 crore times."

Kohli recently led India to a series whitewash against visiting New Zealand in a three-match Test series. Then, during the third ODI match against the Kiwis at Mohali, the right-handed batsman scored his 26th hundred.

He is one of the most followed sportstars in the world, and early this week, his Instagram followers reached 8 million.

In a long home season, Kohli will lead the Indian Test team against England, Bangladesh and Australia.