PM Modi’s Diwali letter invokes Lord Ram’s spirit
New Delhi: In a heartfelt letter to the people of India on the occasion of Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on the nation’s spirit of courage, unity, and progress — invoking the timeless ideals of Lord Ram and drawing a powerful parallel between the ancient fight for righteousness and the country’s modern stand against terrorism.
Modi’s letter, released on Tuesday, came as millions of Indians lit lamps to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Yet, beyond its festive warmth, the message carried a tone of reflection and pride, weaving together threads of spirituality, national security, and economic reform.
His reference to Operation Sindoor — a military action carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year — resonated deeply. The operation, held from May 7 to 10, was launched after militants targeted security personnel and civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam area. The Prime Minister hailed the mission as a moment when India not only defended itself but also “avenged injustice with righteousness.”
“India not only upheld dharma but also demonstrated that when the nation’s integrity is challenged, it responds with both courage and moral clarity,” he said, praising the armed forces for their “unwavering valor and sacrifice.”
A Diwali with Deeper MeaningModi’s letter went beyond traditional greetings, framing this Diwali as a celebration of both spiritual renewal and national achievement.
The symbolic lighting of lamps, he said, would take place in districts where Naxalism and Maoist terrorism have been eradicated from the root. For decades, these regions — especially in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Maharashtra — were plagued by insurgency and violence.
“Today, these areas are witnessing peace and progress,” Modi wrote.
His words struck a note of reconciliation, acknowledging both the pain of conflict and the hope of healing. For communities once torn apart by violence, the Prime Minister’s reference to lamps being lit in those very places carried a profound emotional symbolism — a gesture that the light of Diwali now shines even in the country’s once-darkest corners.
Reform, Resilience, and RenewalIn the latter part of his message, Modi turned his focus toward economic progress and governance, highlighting the country’s recent wave of reforms.
He pointed to the implementation of lower GST rates on the first day of Navratri, describing it as part of a broader initiative to make daily life more affordable for citizens. “During this ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ (Savings Festival), citizens are saving thousands of crores of rupees,” Modi said, emphasizing that the reform aligns with his government’s long-standing promise to reduce the financial burden on the middle class and small businesses.
The message combined economic confidence with cultural reverence, portraying a nation that celebrates tradition even as it modernizes. “Deepavali,” he reminded citizens, “is not just a festival — it is a reflection of India’s eternal optimism and belief that light will always prevail over darkness.”
Throughout the letter, Lord Ram’s example served as a moral and emotional anchor. Modi’s choice to frame Operation Sindoor within the context of Ram’s dharma and courage was seen as both symbolic and deeply personal.
For many, the reference to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya — completed just two years ago — carried an added layer of meaning. The Prime Minister has often described the temple’s construction as the fulfillment of a civilizational dream and a moment of spiritual awakening for the nation.
By linking Ram’s ideals to modern India’s fight against terrorism and injustice, Modi underscored the timeless relevance of dharma in contemporary times. “Lord Ram inspires us to stand firm in truth, act with compassion, and never tolerate injustice,” he wrote. “Operation Sindoor reminded us that the spirit of Ram lives within every Indian who chooses righteousness over fear.”
Addressing the Nation’s ChallengesThe Prime Minister also acknowledged the struggles India continues to face — from security threats to economic pressures — but urged citizens to see these as opportunities for collective strength. His tone blended resolve with reassurance, positioning India as a nation that endures hardship with faith and emerges stronger each time.
He reflected on the recent NDTV World Summit 2025, where he had revealed that more than 300 Maoist rebels had surrendered within a span of 24 hours — a figure he described as “a sign that the winds of change are blowing across India’s heartland.”
“Every surrendered weapon is a victory for peace,” he said. “Every village that celebrates Diwali without fear is a symbol of our progress.”
Modi concluded his Diwali letter with an appeal to unity and optimism — values that, he said, lie at the heart of both Diwali and India’s national character.
“May every citizen, in every corner of the country, feel the warmth of our shared prosperity and the strength of our shared resolve.”
As the nation celebrated under the glow of millions of diyas, Modi’s message sought to remind people that Diwali is not only a festival of joy but also a reflection of India’s journey — from struggle to strength, from darkness to light.
And in invoking Lord Ram’s example and the spirit of Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister offered a message that was at once ancient and immediate: that righteousness, courage, and faith remain the true lights that guide the nation forward.