National leaders celebrate Diwali, urge youth to build a developed India

Delhi, 8 November – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu met at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday, marking a special Diwali greeting ceremony between India’s senior leaders.

The official X post from Rashtrapati Bhavan captured the moment, showing the prime minister presenting a festive message to the president. The day began with Vice‑President C. P. Radhakrishnan’s own audience with President Murmu, during which he also conveyed Diwali felicitation.

President Murmu earlier addressed the nation, reminding citizens of Diwali’s cultural and spiritual essence. She highlighted the festival’s connection to the ideals of a "Ram Rajya" and called upon young Indians, inspired by indigenous values, to engage fully in nation‑building efforts for a "developed India".

Prime Minister Modi released a video greeting, wishing all Indians peace, prosperity and happiness for the coming year. He emphasized that he would join the public in celebrating the Festival of Lights with great enthusiasm.

Following the meeting, Modi travelled to Bastar in Chhattisgarh, where he participated in a Diwali event alongside local security forces. He lauded the area’s recent emancipation from Naxalite insurgency, describing it as a victory of sound policies and determined political will.

The prime minister also paid respects to former President Ram Nath Kovind and his family, extending his Diwali wishes before concluding his official schedule.