Continuing the tradition of spending Diwali with soldiers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited security personnel posted in Gujarat’s Kachchh today and wished them on the festive occasion. Visuals show the Prime Minister, dressed in Army uniform, offering sweets to the soldiers posted there. Prime Minister Modi met personnel of BSF, Army, Navy and Air Force at Lakki Nala in Sir Creek in Kachchh.

Since 2014, when he took over the top job, Prime Minister Modi has spent Diwali with soldiers posted in different corners of the country. He visited Siachen in 2014, the Punjab border in 2015, Sumdo in Himachal Pradesh in 2016, Jammu and Kashmir’s Gurez sector in 2017, Uttarakhand’s Harsil in 2018, Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri in 2019 and Rajasthan’s Longewala in 2020. The Prime Minister’s 2021 Diwali was in Kashmir’s Nowshera, 2022 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil and 2023 in Himachal’s Lepcha.

Back in 2014, when the BJP came to power, Prime Minister Modi visited Siachen and told the soldiers posted there that 125 crore Indians can celebrate Diwali and go about their lives because the soldiers stand guard at the border. He had said he was celebrating Diwali as a representative of their families back home.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister attended celebrations on the occasion of National Unity Day, which marks the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, known for his key role in national integration after Independence in 1947.

The Prime Minister attended grand celebrations at Gujarat’s Kewadiya, where Sardar Patel’s grand statue — the Statue of Unity — is located. He said this National Unity Day is special because it coincides with Diwali. He also announced the beginning of the two-year celebrations of Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.

A 54-year-old man, Chandrakant Patel, was arrested for raping and recording sexual assaults on four young girls aged 8 to 11 in Nadiad. Patel lured the girls with sweets and money before committing the crimes. Police found hundreds of obscene videos on his phone, and further action will follow after forensic analysis.

Cyclone Dana caused heavy rains in Kolkata, making Chhatim trees shed their fragrant flowers. This event provided relief to those suffering from allergies and asthma. The flowers, known for their strong scent, were affecting residents’ breathing. The shedding of flowers has helped ease the situation for sensitive individuals in affected areas.