PM Modi calls cultural program held on INS Vikrant "Unforgettable", lauds Navy for their bravery

New Delhi [India], October 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the cultural programme held on INS Vikrant on the eve of Diwali, stressing that it will remain "unforgettable" in his memories.
In a tweet on X, the Prime Minister said, "The cultural program held on INS Vikrant last evening will remain unforgettable. Our naval personnel are not only talented and valiant but also very creative. Their song 'The Vow of Sindoor' will forever remain etched in my memories."
The Indian Navy organised a cultural programme where the officers and sailors of the Indian Navy sang various patriotic songs, including a song, 'Kasam Sindoor Ki', specially written by them to commemorate the success of the Indian Armed Forces in Operation Sindoor.
Prime Minister Modi had the honour of commissioning INS Vikrant to the Indian Navy in September 2022.
This is an indigenous aircraft carrier, our largest warship, indigenously constructed. INS Vikrant is the principal combatant which carries the entire naval aviation capabilities of the Indian Navy, including the MiG-29 fighters.
The warships which took part in the Steampast include: INS Vikrant, INS Vikramaditya, INS Surat, INS Mormugao, INS Chennai, INS Imphal, INS Kolkata, INS Tushil, INS Tabar, INS Teg, INS Betwa, INS Deepak, and INS Aditya.
The Flypast included - Chetak, with flag and naval ensign, MH 60 R, Seaking, Kamov 31, Dornier and P8I and MiG 29K.
Earlier, PM Modi addressed Navy personnel aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, presently stationed off the coast of Goa and Karwar in the Arabian Sea.
"It has become a habit of mine to celebrate Diwali with my family, and that's why every year I come to celebrate Diwali with my family," he said.
Earlier, praising the security forces, including police and CRPF personnel, for the success in the fight against Naxalism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that India is on the verge of being free from Maoist terror.
The Prime Minister, who addressed Navy personnel aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on Diwali, said of 125 districts impacted by Naxal violence, only 11 districts still show some influence of Maoists, and among these, the actual areas of impact are limited to just three districts."
"Today, the nation is on the verge of being free from Naxal-Maoist terror. Before 2014, around 125 districts of the country were affected by Maoist violence. Due to a decade of persistent efforts, this number has reduced significantly. Now, out of 125, only 11 districts still show some influence of Maoists, and among these, the actual areas of impact are limited to just three districts. For the first time, more than 100 districts are completely free from Maoist terror, breathing in the open air," PM Modi said.
"People, for the first time, are emerging from fear and oppression and becoming part of the mainstream of development. In areas where Maoist-Naxal insurgents used to block roads, prevent schools from opening, stop hospitals from being built, destroy functioning schools, and even attack doctors and hospitals, highways are now being constructed, new industries are coming up, and schools and hospitals are shaping the future of local children...," he added.
The Prime Minister recalled the sacrifices made by security forces in tackling the Maoist menace. (ANI)