PM Modi Celebrates Diwali Aboard INS Vikrant: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali aboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, marking a unique blend of national pride, military valor, and cultural festivity. During the visit, he praised the extraordinary coordination of India’s armed forces during Operation Sindoor, a counterstrike following the Pahalgam terror attack, and highlighted the country’s progress in internal security and defence self-reliance. Modi’s remarks on the ship’s deck reflected both the human spirit of India’s Navy and the strategic significance of modern naval power.

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Diwali Celebration Aboard INS Vikrant

• Celebration at Sea: PM Modi spent Diwali with Indian Navy personnel off the coast of Goa and Karwar, interacting closely with sailors and their families.

• Operation Sindoor Recognition: Modi lauded the extraordinary coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force that compelled Pakistan to surrender, celebrating the success of India’s counterstrike.

• INS Vikrant Symbolism: The Prime Minister hailed the carrier as a living symbol of India’s maritime strength, national pride, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

• Security Achievements: Highlighted the reduction of Maoist-affected districts from 125 to just 11, praising the dedication of security forces.

• Defence Manufacturing: Recognized India’s progress in naval shipbuilding, noting more than 40 warships and submarines built since 2014, and interest in indigenous systems like BrahMos missiles.

• Cultural and Emotional Engagement: Participated in patriotic songs, yoga sessions, flypast displays, and a Bara Khana dinner with the extended families of naval personnel.

INS Vikrant: Pride of India’s Maritime Strength

Commissioned in 2022, INS Vikrant is India’s first home-built aircraft carrier, designed to enhance naval capabilities and serve as a testament to the country’s industrial and strategic progress. Measuring 262 meters in length and 62 meters in width, and accommodating nearly 1,600 personnel, the carrier is described as a “city on the move.” Its hangar is equivalent to two Olympic-size pools, capable of holding 30 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and helicopters. The ship also features a 16-bed hospital, 2,400 compartments, and storage for 250 fuel tankers.

The carrier’s name evokes history: it honors its predecessor, which played a crucial role in the 1971 war against Pakistan. PM Modi emphasized that INS Vikrant’s very presence sends waves of fear across adversaries, stating that the ship “gave sleepless nights to Pakistan” and “shatters the enemy’s courage even before the battle begins.” The vessel now operates under the Western Naval Command, fully prepared for modern naval assignments.

Operation Sindoor and Tri-Service Excellence

A major focus of the Prime Minister’s address was Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory action following the Pahalgam terror attack. Modi credited the coordinated efforts of the Army, Navy, and Air Force for bringing Pakistan to its knees in record time. He emphasized that the success of the operation reflects not only India’s operational capability but also the dedication and skill of its armed forces.

Modi highlighted that India’s armed forces are more than military hardware: “These ships may be made of iron, but when you board them, they become living, breathing forces of the armed services,” he said. The Prime Minister also praised the Navy as the guardian of the Indian Ocean, underscoring its strategic role in safeguarding national interests.

Cultural Celebrations and Human Touch

The Prime Minister’s visit blended strategy with humanity. During his stay aboard INS Vikrant, he witnessed air power demonstrations, including MiG-29K takeoffs and landings on short runways both day and night. Sailors performed patriotic songs, including one composed for Operation Sindoor, which moved Modi deeply.

He shared a traditional Bara Khana dinner with the extended families of naval personnel, participated in morning yoga on deck, and observed steampast and flypast displays. Modi reflected emotionally on the experience:

“I slept a little early yesterday, not out of tiredness but contentment,” and said celebrating Diwali with the crew made the festival truly special.

He also extended heartfelt greetings to the families of all service personnel, declaring, “You are my family… that is why I celebrate Diwali with you.”

Strengthening National Security and Defence Self-Reliance

Beyond ceremonial duties, Modi used the platform to highlight India’s domestic security progress and defence self-reliance:

• Maoist Violence Reduction: Number of affected districts reduced from 125 to 11; over 100 districts now celebrating Diwali free from Maoist influence.

• Naval and Defence Growth: Since 2014, India’s shipyards have produced more than 40 warships and submarines, signaling a leap in defence manufacturing capabilities.

• BrahMos Export Interest: Modi noted that the BrahMos missile “strikes fear” in adversaries, with multiple countries showing interest in procurement.

These developments underscore India’s growing stature in global defence, combining domestic manufacturing with operational excellence.

A Diwali That Illuminated the Indian Ocean and the Nation’s Pride

PM Modi’s Diwali aboard INS Vikrant was more than a festival celebration. It showcased the human spirit of India’s armed forces, their courage, and the nation’s rising strategic capabilities. By honoring Operation Sindoor, emphasizing security progress, and celebrating the Navy’s dedication, the Prime Minister sent a strong message of national pride, resilience, and self-reliance. The night spent at sea, the sunrise over the Arabian Sea, and the warmth shared with families reinforced a narrative that combines human connection with military might, making this Diwali a truly historic occasion.

Spiritual Insights: Discovering the Supreme Power This Diwali

This Diwali, it is time to reflect deeply: Who is Adi Ram, and what is the extraordinary power that enabled Shri Ram to defeat Ravana? It is also thought-provoking that after returning from exile, Shri Ram released Sita Ji from His palace only after two years.This Diwali, the true question arises: Who is the Supreme God, eternal, whose birth and death never occur, and whose grace alone can liberate us from the bondage of 84 lakh life forms?

The profound teachings of Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj reveal this ultimate knowledge. His wisdom guides humanity toward true liberation, eternal peace, and spiritual enlightenment. To explore these divine truths and understand the path to freedom, refer to His sacred teachings.

For authentic spiritual guidance and knowledge, visit www.jagatgururampalji.org and watch the YouTube channel: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.

FAQs on PM Modi’s Diwali Celebration Aboard INS Vikrant

1. What is the significance of PM Modi celebrating Diwali aboard INS Vikrant?

PM Modi’s Diwali celebration aboard INS Vikrant highlights India’s naval strength, the success of Operation Sindoor, and the dedication of the armed forces. It symbolizes Aatmanirbhar Bharat, showcasing both India’s strategic capabilities and the human spirit of its Navy personnel.

2. What is INS Vikrant and why is it important for India?

INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, commissioned in 2022. Measuring 262 meters long and 62 meters wide, it can accommodate 1,600 crew and 30 aircraft, serving as a powerful symbol of India’s maritime strength and defence self-reliance.

3. What is Operation Sindoor and how did PM Modi mention it?

Operation Sindoor was India’s counterstrike following the Pahalgam terror attack. PM Modi praised the tri-service coordination of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, which he said compelled Pakistan to surrender, highlighting the bravery and skill of India’s armed forces.

4. How did PM Modi interact with Navy personnel during the Diwali visit?

During his visit, PM Modi witnessed MiG-29K fighter jet demonstrations, participated in yoga sessions, enjoyed a Bara Khana with sailors’ families, and attended a cultural programme of patriotic songs, including one specially composed for Operation Sindoor.

5. What are the key defence and security highlights shared by PM Modi?

PM Modi emphasized India’s progress in defence manufacturing, including 40+ warships and submarines since 2014, and the global interest in BrahMos missiles. He also highlighted domestic security gains, with Maoist-affected districts reduced from 125 to 11, showcasing India’s growing internal and external security strength.