New Delhi, 08 November (H.S.): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Diwali with soldiers deployed at Sherathang along the India-China border in Sikkim and interacted with them during his visit. Encouraging the personnel, he said that the sacrifices of the country's brave soldiers made it possible for people to light Diwali lamps in their homes and celebrate the festival in peace. He noted that soldiers had laid down their lives to safeguard the nation's security and sovereignty. The Defence Minister also paid tribute at the Sherathang War Memorial to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the country.

Rajnath Singh visited Sherathang in Sikkim, along the India-China border, on Sunday. He arrived at the helipad in Sherathang aboard an Army helicopter. After laying a wreath at the Sherathang War Memorial, he paid homage to the courage and valour of soldiers who had sacrificed their lives to protect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He subsequently interacted with security personnel deployed in the border region and appreciated their dedication and contribution towards safeguarding the country's frontiers despite challenging conditions. He also visited the Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple and offered his respects.

During his interaction with the soldiers, the Defence Minister said, “As I stand here in Sherathang today, I feel that each one of you is like a lamp. Your light is not confined to this post; it reaches every household across the country. No matter how advanced technology becomes, it is of little use if a soldier lacks discipline and courage. Your discipline is your greatest strength.

“The way you conduct yourselves, your uniform, your language and your restraint at the post where you are deployed shape the image of the Army in the minds of local people. The people of Sherathang and the surrounding areas have great affection for the Army. Preserving that goodwill is also your responsibility.”

The Defence Minister said, “Just as a Diwali lamp fights darkness silently, your lives are much the same. You do not make noise, but your very presence gives the entire country a sense of security. Even as the nation celebrates festivals, you remain vigilant along the borders. It is because of you that citizens can sleep peacefully. It is because of you that the Diwali lamps shine even brighter.

“I believe that memorials such as this shape our collective memory and collective consciousness. They not only remind us of historical events and the sacrifices made by those associated with them, but also play an important role in awakening our national consciousness and strengthening our sense of national pride.”

Rajnath Singh further said that memorials such as the one at Sherathang held immense significance in the history of every civilisation and culture. He said the war memorial had permanently inscribed the bravery of Indian soldiers in the pages of history. Regardless of how many generations passed, the site would continue to acquaint people in the region with the courage and valour of the soldiers and inspire them, he added.

Concluding his address, the Defence Minister lauded the soldiers' unwavering commitment to national security and extended Diwali greetings, wishing them happiness, peace and prosperity. He ended his address with the slogan, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.

On the first day of his visit, November 7, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had met officers and personnel of the Indian Air Force at the Bagdogra Air Force Station in West Bengal. He had also interacted with Indian Army personnel at Sukna in Siliguri.

On the second day of his tour, Singh arrived in Sikkim on Sunday morning. He was received by Gangtok District Collector Rohan Agawane, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Tsering Namgyal Gyatso, Home Department Joint Secretary John Gurung and senior Indian Army officials.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar