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This is an archive article published on April 18, 2017

WATCH: PM Narendra Modi’s appeal pays off? Here’s what happened with Indian Army jawans at IGI airport in Delhi

Indian Army jawans saw a delightful change when they entered the Indira Gandhi International airport in the capital.

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narendra modi, narendra modi speech, narendra modi indian army jawans, indian army jawans, indian army jawans IGI airport delhi, indian army jawans welcome airport, airport welcome army, indian army standing ovation, indian express, indian express news A heartwarming change! (Source: IndianExpressOnline/YouTube)

“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf,” a wise man once quoted. The Indian Army selflessly fights battles and sheds blood to protect the nation, while we live in the comfort of our homes… In return of their sacrifice, what do we give them? Addressing the crowd in his speech on the inaugural day of Shaurya Smarak state war memorial, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an earnest request to the nation’s ex-servicemen, war widows, students and families to honour the soldiers, who lose their lives while trying to protect the nation.

ALSO READ | Narendra Modi’s reply to Twitter user who claimed ‘PM works for him’ is absolutely witty

Saying that it can make a huge difference to their lives, Modi said, “Can we make this effort slowly and develop a tradition to show respect to our defence forces?” Constructed by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, the war memorial was unveiled in Bhopal on October 14, 2016.

ALSO READ | PM Modi followed this Bengaluru man on Twitter after he posted about a ‘Swachh Bharat’ wedding card

It seems that his message has sparked a change as the Indian Army jawans saw a delightful change when they entered the Indira Gandhi International airport in the capital. Major Gaurav Arya took to Twitter to share the video of the heartwarming welcome.

“0300 hrs, Indira Gandhi International Airport, crowds break into spontaneous applause when they see soldiers. The day has come,” Arya shared on his social networking media account.

When we contacted him, he told indianexpress.com: “Indian Troops were returning from a UN mission (you can see them in sky blue berets and turbans) and landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport today at 0300 hrs. The soldiers and officers were greeted on arrival by spontaneous applause by the staff and also other passengers.”

Expressing delight, he added, “I have never seen this happening in India. Reaction to this is simply fantastic, in the Army. They feel honoured and loved.” Sharing happy reactions to the incident, several Twitter users also responded to his tweet:

Watch the video here.

Soul stirring!

 

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