Remember soldiers, light a 'diya' for them: PM Modi

New Delhi: Asserting that India stands firmly with its brave soldiers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to light a 'diya' at their homes to honour security forces guarding the country's borders while they celebrate festivals.

In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio broadcast, Modi also made a strong pitch for unity in the country while remembering Sardar Patel whose birth anniversary will be marked later this month on October 31.

"Unity is power, unity is strength, unity is progress, unity is empowerment, united we will scale new heights," the prime minister said.

"There have also been forces that continuously try to sow the seeds of suspicion in our minds and try to divide the country. The country too has given a befitting reply to these ill-intentions every time," he said.

Modi exhorted people to constantly try through their creativity and love to bring out the beautiful colours of 'Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat' even in the smallest of tasks.

The prime minister said on Patel's birth anniversary, he will attend many events to be held in and around the historic Statue of Unity in Kevadiya, Gujarat.

Modi also remembered former prime minister Indira Gandhi, whose death anniversary is on October 31.

He wished people on Dussehra and said that with various festivals coming up, they need to show patience and follow health guidelines in celebrating these auspicious occasions during the COVID times.

"Today, all of you are carrying on with immense patience, celebrating the festival with restraint and hence, in our ongoing fight, our victory too is assured," Modi said.