October 21, 2025
Modi said reduced GST rates, implemented at the start of Navaratri, were helping citizens save thousands of crores under the “GST Bachat Utsav”
He said India had emerged as a symbol of stability and sensitivity amid global crises and was on track to become the world’s third-largest economy
The Prime Minister urged people to adopt swadeshi products, uphold national unity, and make health, cleanliness and yoga part of their lifestyle
He said this year’s Diwali was special as many districts, including remote areas, would light lamps for the first time
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Diwali greetings to citizens, calling on them to take pride in India’s progress and contribute to building a self-reliant, developed nation.
In a letter addressed to the public, Modi said the country had achieved “historic milestones” in recent months, including the success of Operation Sindoor, the eradication of Naxalism, and new reforms in goods and services tax (GST). He noted that his government had lowered GST rates on the first day of Navaratri, saying the “GST Bachat Utsav” (savings festival) was enabling citizens to save thousands of crores of rupees.
“In a world facing multiple crises, India has emerged as a symbol of both stability and sensitivity,” Modi said, adding that the nation was on track to become the world’s third-largest economy in the near future.
Referring to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), the Prime Minister said every citizen must fulfil their duties towards the nation. He urged people to embrace swadeshi, or local products, and to take pride in saying, “This is swadeshi.”
He called on citizens to strengthen the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Best India), respect all Indian languages, maintain cleanliness, and adopt healthier lifestyles. “Let us reduce the use of oil in our food by 10 per cent and embrace yoga. All these efforts will move us faster towards a developed India,” he said.
Modi said this was the second Diwali since the completion of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, adding that the festival carried a deeper spiritual and national significance this year. Drawing a parallel between Lord Ram’s life and Operation Sindoor, he said the Lord’s example teaches the importance of righteousness and courage to fight injustice, values India demonstrated through the military operation, where “the nation upheld righteousness and avenged injustice.”
Source: Business Standard