Srinagar, Oct 19 (UNI) Continuing his tradition of celebrating Diwali with security forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reached Gurez valley, near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir to take part in the festivities along with jawans of Indian Army and BSF. The Prime Minister called upon the armed forces to be part of the nation’s endeavour to create a ‘New India’. Mr Modi has been with jawans on the border every year on the Diwali day after he took over as the Prime Minister of the country, barring 2014 when he spent the festival of light with the people of Kashmir in the aftermath of the devastating floods in the state. After offering sweets and exchanging greetings with the jawans, Mr Modi in his address to them said that like everyone else, he too wishes to spend Diwali with his family. Therefore, he said, he had come among the jawans of the Armed Forces, whom he considers to be "his family." The Prime Minister said he gets new energy when he spends time among the jawans and soldiers t. He appreciated their penance and sacrifice, amid harsh conditions. The Prime Minister said that he had been told that the jawans present at the gathering regularly practice Yoga. He said that this would definitely enhance their abilities, and give them a sense of calm. He said that jawans who leave the Armed Forces after completing their duty tenure, can become excellent yoga trainers subsequently. The Prime Minister spoke of the new resolve that each Indian citizen must make for 2022, the 75th anniversary of independence. He also encouraged the jawans to innovate, so that their routine tasks and duties became easier and safer. He mentioned how best innovations were now being recognised and awarded at the Army Day, Navy Day, and Air Force Day. Expressing the commitment of the Government to the welfare and the betterment of the Armed Forces in every way possible, he spoke of the implementation of One Rank, One Pension, which had been pending for decades. In the visitors' book, the Prime Minister wrote: “Protecting the Motherland, far from your loved ones, displaying the highest traditions of sacrifice, all soldiers at the nation's borders, are symbols of bravery and dedication. I have an opportunity to spend the festival of Diwali with you. The presence of brave soldiers at the border, on this festive occasion, lights the lamp of hope, and generates new energy among crores of Indians. To accomplish the dream of "New India," this is a golden opportunity for all of us to work together. The Army too is a part of it.’’ Greetings to all of you on Diwali.” Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Bipin Rawat, Lt Gen D Anbu, Northern Army Commander and Lt Gen JS Sandhu, Chinar Corps Commander also accompanied the Prime Minister to the border town, which is surrounded by Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) from three sides. UNI BAS/NAZ SDR 1523