‘Salute soldiers guarding our borders’: PM Modi pays tribute to armed forces on Army Day
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the courage, sacrifice and dedication of India’s armed forces on the occasion of Army Day, saying the service of soldiers across difficult and dangerous terrains fills every citizen with pride.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister praised the bravery of Army troops deployed from remote regions to snow-clad peaks and offered salutations to soldiers guarding the nation’s borders.
PM Modi wished the armed forces strength and victory. “May our brave warriors always emerge triumphant, and may the gods protect us in times of challenge," the PM added.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to the Indian Army, expressing gratitude to soldiers, veterans, ex-servicemen and their families.
In his post on X, Kharge described the Army as the steadfast shield of the country, protecting borders in difficult terrains, supporting internal security, and providing help during natural calamities.
He said the country remains forever indebted to the Army’s courage, professionalism and spirit of selfless sacrifice, which continue to safeguard India.
On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2026
Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and… pic.twitter.com/IRLSsmvRF0
On Indian Army Day, we bow in reverence and gratitude to our brave soldiers, veterans, ex servicemen and their families.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 15, 2026
The Indian Army stands as the steadfast shield of our nation, protecting our borders across the most formidable terrains, strengthening stability during… pic.twitter.com/izPe9amKwV
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Karnataka celebrates Makara Sankranti with great religious fervour
Bengaluru (PTI): Makara Sankranti, marking the Sun's transition into Makara Rashi or capricorn sign, is being celebrated with traditional fervour across Karnataka on Thursday, with temples witnessing heavy footfall and households observing age-old rituals.
In Bengaluru, thousands of devotees thronged the historic Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple at Gavipuram in Basavanagudi from the early hours.
The temple holds special significance on Makara Sankranti as the setting Sun's rays pass through the horns of the stone Nandi and illuminate the Shiva Linga inside the cave temple.
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The Sun's rays directly falling on the Linga in the afternoon on Makara Sankranti is a rare and unique occurrence, symbolising the cosmic alignment and Lord Shiva's blessings, temple authorities said.
Police and temple authorities have made elaborate arrangements to regulate the crowd as devotees queued up to have a darshan of Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the cave shrine.
Across the state, devotees offered prayers in temples and observed Sankranti rituals at home.
The festival is traditionally celebrated as Suggi in Karnataka, marking the harvest season.
On this day, festive dishes are prepared and 'Ellu-Bella', a mix of sesame seeds, jaggery, groundnuts and coconut, is distributed to the near and dear ones wishing for their safety and good luck.
In rural parts of Karnataka, farmers celebrate the harvest with special pujas, cattle worship and community gatherings, reflecting gratitude for a good crop.
Cultural programmes and traditional games will also be organised on this day adding colour to the celebrations in several districts.
Flowers, jujube fruits and sugarcane were in great demand in the market as they are the key ingredients for the pujas.
