Continuing his tradition of spending Diwali with soldiers who protect the Motherland, Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi on Thursday wished troops posted in the Nowshera sector of Jammu and Kashmir a Happy, Healthy and Safe Diwali.
Please click on the images for a better look at the prime minister with the soldiers.
IMAGE: The prime minister is escorted by Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar 'Joe' Joshi, the Northern Army commander (behind Modi), as he arrives at the Nowshera Brigade. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: This has been a Modi ritual since he became prime minister -- feeding soldiers sweets during Diwali. Photograph: PTI Photo
IMAGE: Brigadier H S Brar, Commander, Nowshera Brigade, watches Brigadier K K Singh, Commander, Chicken Neck Brigade, brief the prime minister on what the soldiers deployed with the brigades do to protect the nation from harm. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: The prime minister pays homage to soldiers who made the Supreme Sacrifice for the Motherland. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: 'Empires come and go, but India was eternal thousands of years ago, remains so today and will remain eternal thousands of years later. We don't perceive the nation as government, power or empire. For us, it is a living, present soul, defending this is not limited to defending just the geographical boundaries. For us national defence means defending this living national vibrancy, national unity, and national integration,' Modi told the soldiers. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: Major General Rajeev Puri, VSM, General Officer Commanding Ace of Spades Division, left, Brigadier K K Singh, Commander, Chicken Neck Brigade, and Brigadier H S Brar, Commander, Nowshera Brigade, escort the prime minister. Photograph: PTI Photo
IMAGE: The prime minister is overwhelmed during this meeting with an Indian Army Veteran. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: Interacts with senior army officers. Photograph: ANI Photo
Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com
Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
