Army Doesn’t Speak, Only Shows Valour, Says Modi in Bhopal

Prime Minister Modi is in Bhopal to inaugurate a war memorial, following which he will attend other related events.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses during the Ex Servicemen Public meeting in Bhopal on 14 October 2016. (Photo: IANS)

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• Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Bhopal on Friday to inaugurate the war memorial ‘Shaurya Smarak’.
  
• Security was tightened in Bhopal ahead of his visit.
  
• The Prime Minister invoked the valour of the Indian army.
  
• He said the jawans sacrifice their lives to ensure civilians can sleep peacefully.
  
• Modi also spoke on the ‘One Rank One Pension’ scheme and said it was his government which finally implemented it.

Updated at:14th Oct, 2016 at 5:45 PM

According to official sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhopal at 4pm in the afternoon on Friday to inaugurate the war memorial, ‘Shaurya Smarak’ at the Ex-Servicemen convention.

Spread over 12 acres, the memorial portrays the different stages of one's life. The valour gallery showcases the tradition of military honour.

The Prime Minister also addressed a meeting of former servicemen at Lal Pared ground during his three-hour visit, ahead of the BRICS meet in Goa.

After the inauguration ceremony, he will call on Acharya Vidysagar Maharaj at the Habibganj Jain temple, and leave Bhopal at 7 pm.

Special security arrangements have been made for his visit.

Updated at:14th Oct, 2016 at 7:10 PM

Modi inaugurates the war memorial in Bhopal on Friday. (Photo: ANI Screenshot)

Catch the Prime Minister’s address in Bhopal below.

Updated at:14th Oct, 2016 at 7:08 PM

We Remember Bravery of Armed Forces: PM Modi

Narendra Modi during his address in Bhopal. (Photo: Screenshot)

Praising the Indian Army, Modi spoke about their role in tackling natural disasters and said during the address:

During floods in Srinagar, army men extended their help for the rescue and relief operation in the area. While extending help, my soldiers did not for once think that these are the same people who pelt stones at them. It is the call of humanity that inspires our armed forces when they’re helping people during natural disasters. When we think of armed forces, we remember their bravery and also their role during a natural disaster.

Citing the example of Yemen, he also added that the Indian army has been protecting people all over the world.

While rescuing Indians in Yemen, Indian army also rescued a few Pakistanis, this is the example of humanity of our Indian army.

Updated at:14th Oct, 2016 at 5:48 PM

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Modi on ‘One Rank One Pension’

The Prime Minister commented on the ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP) scheme and said that it was only his government which managed to finally implement it.

Previous governments had made empty promises on OROP, but when we came to power we fulfilled our promise and implemented it.

Narendra Modi

He said the government is also preparing soldiers for a life after they complete their service in the army.

Narendra Modi with Shivraj Singh Chauhan in Bhopal on Friday. (Photo: PTI)

Government decided to give skill development training to soldiers in last year of service so that they don’t have to struggle for jobs.

Narendra Modi

Additionally, Modi urged for more respect for the army-men in the country.

In some countries whenever people see jawans at airports or railway stations, they stand up and applause, we should also adopt this.

Narendra Modi

Updated at:14th Oct, 2016 at 7:12 PM

Security Tightened in Bhopal Ahead of Modi’s Visit

State Home and Transportation Minister Bhoopendra Singh said:

Security has been tightened for the 14 October visit of the Prime Minister and his VIP delegation. I have reviewed the security arrangements at the war memorial as well as at the Lal Parade Ground with the police and transportation officials.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asked the people to visit the memorial as well as participate in the 'Shaurya Sabha' at the Lal Parade Ground.

PM Modi is going to inaugurate the war memorial dedicated to the memory of martyrs. The war memorial is a symbol of the patriotic journey of a soldier.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh

Before Modi began his address, the Chief Minister also said:

We’re grateful to our brave soldiers. Shaurya Smarak is not just a Smarak, it’s a temple of their bravery... We have decided that the parents of the martyrs from the State will be given Rs 5000 every month respectfully for their sacrifice.

(With inputs from IANS)

Updated at:14th Oct, 2016 at 5:19 PM

Modi Meets Jain Monk Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj

Narendra Modi with Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj. (Photo: ANI Screenshot)

After his address, the Prime Minister also met the Jain monk Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj as part of his visit.

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Updated at:14th Oct, 2016 at 7:05 PM