PM Modi pens letter to nation, calls this Deepavali special for districts where ‘Maoist terrorism was eradicated’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (October 21, 2025) addressed Indian citizens in an open letter on the occasion of Deepavali, in which he says that this Deepavali is ‘special’ for him, as many remote areas witnessed the eradication of Maoism, which he calls a ‘major achievement’ for the nation.

“For the first time, lamps will be lit in many districts across the country, including remote areas. These are the districts where Naxalism and Maoist terrorism have been eradicated from the root. In recent times, we have seen many individuals abandoning the path of violence and joining the mainstream of development, expressing faith in the Constitution of our country. This is a major achievement for the nation,” wrote Mr. Modi.

The Prime Minister also alluded to Operation Sindoor as a ‘living example’ of the teachings of Lord Ram “to uphold righteousness” and “fight injustice”.

“Lord Shri Ram teaches us to uphold righteousness and also gives us the courage to fight injustice. We have seen a living example of this a few months ago during Operation Sindoor. During Operation Sindoor, Bharat not only upheld righteousness but also avenged injustice,” the PM said.

‘Adopt Swadeshi’

In the letter, Mr. Modi also exhorts Indians to adopt ‘Swadeshi’ and “fulfill our duties towards the nation”.

“Let us respect all languages. Let us maintain cleanliness. Let us prioritise our health. Let us reduce the use of oil in our food by 10% and embrace Yoga. All these efforts will rapidly move us towards a “Viksit Bharat,” he wrote.

The Prime Minister listed the decision to lower Goods and Services Tax rates among the historic achievements of his government and said that citizens are saving thousands of crores of rupees during the ‘GST Bachat Utsav’.

“On the first day of Navratri, lower GST rates were implemented. During this ‘GST Bachat Utsav’, citizens are saving thousands of crores of rupees,” Modi said.

He said in a world going through multiple crises, Bharat has emerged as a symbol of both stability and sensitivity.

“We are also on track to become the third-largest economy in the world in the near future,” he said.

(With inputs from PTI)