From Siachen to INS Vikrant, armed forces' top brass celebrate Diwali with military personnel
New Delhi (PTI): From the frosty terrain of the Siachen Glacier to onboard indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, the top brass of India's military celebrated Diwali with Army jawans, air warriors and navy personnel at some of the most strategic locations in the country.
The Siachen Glacier at the height of around 20,000 feet in the Karakoram mountain range is known as the highest militarised zone in the world where soldiers have to battle frostbite and high winds.
"On the occasion of Diwali, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, visited the Ladakh sector and interacted with IAF and IA personnel deployed in the region. He commended them for their dedication and professionalism in safeguarding the nation's frontiers under challenging high-altitude conditions, and extended festive greetings to all," the Indian Air Force said in a post on X on Monday.
It also shared photos of the IAF chief's visit to the key military location in northern India.
Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, visited the Siachen Glacier to celebrate the festival with troops guarding the borders in this crucial sector.
He interacted with the personnel of the IAF and the Indian Army, lauding their contributions in recent operations, and extended festive greetings to them and their families, officials said.
Air Marshal Bharti also visited Terchey village near Thoise, where he interacted with locals and conveyed Diwali greetings to them.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi extended greetings on Diwali.
"May the Festival of Lights and Happiness illuminate our lives with new opportunities and brighten the path to success. Let us celebrate this festival of lights by remembering the courage and valour of our soldiers and the sacrifice of our #Bravehearts," the Indian Army said in a post on X on Monday.
General Dwivedi visited the Panchshul Brigade at Uttarakhand's Pitthoragarh and forward areas in the Kumaon region to review the operational preparedness of the formation and celebrate Diwali with the troops, the Army said in another post on X on the eve of the festival.
During the visit, he was briefed on operational aspects, technology infusion, integration with other security agencies and various nation-building initiatives undertaken by the formation, the officials said.
"The #COAS appreciated the formation's adoption of #Geothermal energy solutions and other green initiatives, enhancing #SustainableDefence. He also lauded the innovative use of underground storage for water and fuel to ensure sustainability during harsh winters," it said.
General Dwivedi addressed all ranks and also interacted with the troops. He appreciated the high standards of professionalism and readiness demonstrated by the soldiers deployed in the challenging terrain and commended their unwavering dedication and exceptional state of preparedness, the Army said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Navy personnel on board aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which he described as a towering symbol of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat".
He spent the Sunday evening watching air exercises onboard the aircraft carrier, being part of a cultural evening and partaking in the Bara Khana with the Navy personnel.
Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi accompanied the prime minister onboard INS Vikrant.
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Delhi CM inaugurates Atal Canteens, offering Rs 5 meals
New Delhi (PTI): The Atal Canteens, inaugurated on Thursday to mark the 101st birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, will offer nutritious meals for just Rs 5.
The initiative aims to provide affordable and nutritious meals to workers, the poor, and other needy residents of the national capital. The government has allocated Rs 104.24 crore for the operation and management of this ambitious scheme.
Each Atal Canteen will serve approximately 1,000 meals per day, benefiting over 1,00,000 people daily across Delhi, said an official statement.
Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, along with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, inaugurated an Atal Canteen near 'Apna Bazaar' in Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar.
Gupta, along with ministers and dignitaries, also partook of a meal at the Atal Canteen and directed officials to ensure the highest standards of food quality and hygiene.
Speaking on the occasion, Khattar said the Atal Canteens launched across Delhi on the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee represent a historic initiative inspired by the ideals of service, good governance, and human sensitivity.
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He said that the scheme is not merely a welfare programme, but a strong commitment to extending dignified support to citizens at the last mile.
By providing nutritious meals for Rs 5, the spirit of public service is being strengthened.
He added that, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi centred on service, good governance, and welfare of the poor, the initiative will ensure that no one in Delhi goes hungry.
Gupta also described the scheme as a significant step towards ensuring a life of respect and self-reliance for poor and hardworking citizens.
Recalling the legacy of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she said his leadership and commitment to good governance continue to inspire public service initiatives across the country.
She said that 100 Atal Canteens are being established across Delhi. Of these, 45 canteens were virtually inaugurated on Thursday, while the remaining 55 will become operational within the next 15 to 20 days.
The chief minister said a symbolic contribution of Rs 5 has been fixed to preserve the self-respect of beneficiaries, encourage responsible consumption, and prevent food wastage.
Each beneficiary is provided freshly cooked meals at a nominal cost of Rs 5 per plate, while the Delhi government bears Rs 25 per meal.
Under this scheme, 100 Atal Canteens are being set up across Delhi. Each canteen will serve meals twice a day.
A standardised menu has been prepared for all canteens, including nutritious items such as dal-rice, roti, and vegetables. Facilities include modern kitchens, LPG-based cooking systems, and industrial RO water plants.
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To ensure transparency and smooth operations, digital token systems, CCTV surveillance, and regular audits have been put in place. In addition, the quality of food and raw materials will be regularly tested by FSSAI and NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure safe and high-quality meals for citizens.
Each meal weighs approximately 600 grams, providing an average of 700-800 calories and 20-25 grams of protein, in line with balanced and nutritious dietary norms.
The lunch timings are from 11:30 am to 2 pm, and dinner is from 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
Approximately 700 people will gain employment under this scheme.
For the operation of Atal Canteens, 11 experienced agencies have been selected by DUSIB through a transparent tendering process.
