‘Light overcomes darkness’: PM Modi’s Deepavali open letter urges citizens to embrace positivity and swadeshi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended his heartfelt greetings to the citizens of India on the occasion of Deepavali, emphasizing the festival’s spirit of light, positivity, and righteousness. 

In an open letter to the citizens of India, the Prime Minister reflected on the nation’s recent achievements and encouraged citizens to actively participate in India’s development journey.

PM Modi highlighted that this Deepavali was special as lamps would be lit across many districts, including areas previously affected by Naxalism and Maoist activities, marking progress in eradicating violence and promoting mainstream development. He also referenced Operation Sindoor, stating that it demonstrated India’s resolve to uphold justice and fight against wrongdoing.

The Prime Minister further drew attention to recent economic reforms, such as the implementation of lower GST rates and the ongoing “GST Bachat Utsav,” which has helped citizens save substantial amounts. He stressed the importance of embracing Swadeshi products, maintaining cleanliness, prioritizing health, and practicing Yoga, linking these efforts to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Here’s the full text of his letter:

Dear fellow citizen,

I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on the auspicious occasion of Deepavali, a festival filled with energy and enthusiasm. This is the second Deepavali after the grand construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Lord Shri Ram teaches us to uphold righteousness and also gives us the courage to fight injustice. We have seen a living example of this a few months ago during Operation Sindoor. During Operation Sindoor, Bharat not only upheld righteousness but also avenged injustice.
This Deepavali is particularly special because, for the first time, lamps will be lit in many districts across the country, including remote areas. These are the districts where Naxalism and Maoist terrorism have been eradicated from the root. In recent times, we have seen many individuals abandoning the path of violence and joining the mainstream of development, expressing faith in the Constitution of our country. This is a major achievement for the nation.

Amid these historic achievements, the country has also embarked on next-generation reforms in recent days. On the first day of Navratri, lower GST rates were implemented. During this “GST Bachat Utsav” (Savings Festival), citizens are saving thousands of crores of rupees.

In a world going through multiple crises, Bharat has emerged as a symbol of both stability and sensitivity. We are also on track to become the third-largest economy in the world in the near future.

In this journey of a “Viksit” (Developed) and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India), our primary responsibility as citizens is to fulfill our duties towards the nation.

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Let us adopt “Swadeshi” (local products) and proudly say: “This is Swadeshi!” Let us promote the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”. Let us respect all languages. Let us maintain cleanliness. Let us prioritize our health. Let us reduce the use of oil in our food by 10% and embrace Yoga. All these efforts will rapidly move us towards a “Viksit Bharat”.

Deepavali also teaches us that when one lamp lights another, its light doesn’t diminish, but it grows further. With the same spirit, let us light lamps of harmony, cooperation and positivity in our society and surroundings this Deepavali.
Once again, wishing you all a very Happy Deepavali.

Yours,
Narendra Modi