Rajnath Singh celebrates Diwali with soldiers in forward areas of Sikkim
Accompanied by Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Eastern Command General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen VMB Krishnan, 33 Corps GOC Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann and other senior Army officers, the Defence Minister interacted with soldiers at Sherathang.
Describing the soldiers as the brightest lights of Diwali, Rajnath Singh said their commitment and vigilance at the borders provided a sense of security to the entire nation.
Like lamps that dispel darkness without seeking attention, soldiers silently performed their duties, enabling citizens to celebrate festivals in peace and security, he said.
The Defence Minister commended the troops for their professionalism, high morale and commitment to protecting the motherland.
He acknowledged the sacrifices of personnel who remained away from their families and placed national duty above personal celebrations.
Emphasising the importance of discipline and courage, he said advanced technology alone could not ensure success unless soldiers possessed these essential qualities. He also stressed that the conduct, uniform, language and restraint of military personnel shaped the image of the Army among local communities.
He urged the troops to continue strengthening the bond of trust and goodwill between the Army and people in Sherathang and surrounding areas.
Earlier, Rajnath Singh paid homage at the Sherathang War Memorial to soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
He also visited the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial and paid respects to the revered soldier.
Highlighting the significance of war memorials, he said they not only commemorated sacrifices but also preserved collective memory and strengthened national consciousness and pride.
He noted that soldiers honoured at the Sherathang memorial belonged to different parts of the country, including Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Assam, but had laid down their lives irrespective of regional, linguistic or community differences.
This spirit of unity and selfless service represented the essence of India, where every citizen considered fellow Indians members of one family, he said.
Referring to the National War Memorial in New Delhi, Rajnath Singh said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had established the monument to honour soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
Around 26,000 names of fallen soldiers had been inscribed in golden letters at the memorial, he said, adding that such monuments would continue to inspire present and future generations.
