Rajnath Singh celebrates Diwali with troops at Sherathang, pays tribute to fallen heroes

GANGTOK,: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday celebrated Diwali with soldiers of the Trishakti Corps (33 Corps) deployed in the forward areas of Sikkim and commended their courage, professionalism and dedication in guarding the country's borders under challenging high-altitude conditions.

Singh was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff, General Dhiraj Seth; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen VMB Krishnan; General Officer Commanding, 33 Corps, Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann, and other senior Army officers.

Interacting with soldiers at Sherathang, near Indo-China border, the Defence Minister described them as the brightest lights of Diwali, stating that their dedication and vigilance at the borders provide the entire nation with a sense of security.

“Like a lamp which dispels darkness without seeking attention, soldiers perform their duties silently, ensuring that citizens can celebrate festivals with peace and security,” he said.

The Defence Ministerlauded the troops for their professionalism, high morale and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation's borders in challenging high-altitude conditions, and urged them to continue protecting the country with the same enthusiasm and dedication.

Acknowledging the sacrifices made by soldiers serving away from their families, Singh said they placed national duty above personal interests and celebrations.

Emphasising the importance of discipline and courage, he said technological advancements alone could not ensure success unless soldiers possessed these essential qualities.

He underlined that the conduct, uniform, language and restraint of the personnel shape the image of the military among local communities. Singh urged the soldiers to further strengthen the bond of trust and goodwill shared by the Army and the local population in Sherathang and surrounding areas.

Singh paid homage to fallen soldiers at Sherathang War Memorial and offered tributes at Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial, honouring the legacy of the revered soldier.

Highlighting the significance of war memorials, the Defence Minister said they were not merely monuments commemorating past events and sacrifices but also served to preserve collective memory and strengthen national consciousness and pride.

He stated that the soldiers honoured at the Sherathang War Memorial belonged to different parts of the country, including Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Assam.

He added that these bravehearts laid down their lives to protect the people, irrespective of their region, language or community. This spirit of unity and selfless service, he said, is the “very soul and ethos of India, where every citizen considers fellow Indians as members of one family.”

Singh also referred to the National War Memorial in New Delhi, established by the government to honour soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.

“Approximately 26,000 names of the fallen heroes have been inscribed in golden letters at the National War Memorial to honour their unmatched valour and sacrifice. Seeing the name of a fallen soldier at the memorial evokes a deep sense of pride among their families, relatives and people from their native villages and regions. These memorials serve as sources of inspiration for the present and future generations.”

These memorials, he said, would continue to inspire present and future generations.