New

Delhi, 19 March (HS): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon the people

to always keep the nation supreme, stay united, discharge duties honestly and

move fearlessly towards achieving their goals, which were the core principles

of Major Bob Khathing. He said Major Bob Khathing was an exceptional individual

who made invaluable contributions to the Northeast region and national

security.

The Defence Minister was addressing the fifth edition of the Major

Bob Khathing Memorial event jointly organised by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles

and United Services Institution of India (USI) at Delhi Cantt on Wednesday.

Paying

emotional tributes to Major Bob Khathing, Rajnath Singh said India is fortunate

to be home to such eminent personalities for whom the security, integrity and

sovereignty of the nation are of paramount importance.

He described Major

Khathing as a great son of India who left an indelible mark in the country's

history through his bravery on the battlefield and skills in the field of

diplomacy. He said it is the responsibility of the people to adopt the ideals

and principles of such great personalities. The Defence Minister lauded Major

Khathing's role in integrating, developing and rebuilding not only Tawang but

the entire North-East region. He said Major Bob Khathing made a significant

contribution in strengthening national unity. The work he did for the

North-East is at par with what Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel did at the national level.

The

Defence Minister said that Major Bob Khathing efficiently integrated Tawang

into India without firing a single bullet and the government led by Prime

Minister Narendra Modi follows the principles of such revolutionaries. He said

that we achieved complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir into India by

removing the biggest hurdle - Article 370 - without firing a single bullet. The

work was done peacefully with full security keeping in mind all stakeholders.

Rajnath Singh highlighted the administrative efficiency of Major Khathing,

especially his contribution in the formation of Sashastra Seema Bal and

Nagaland Armed Police and other such reforms. He stressed that similarly the

government is focusing on administrative reforms. He said that through 'Minimum

Government, Maximum Governance ' and 'Good Governance', we have reduced the gap

between people and government. Today, administration has become more

people-oriented through 'Digital India' and 'Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile (JAM)

Trinity'.

The

Defence Minister pointed out that the government's foreign policy is based on

the diplomatic skills of personalities like Major Khathing. He said that today

India is maintaining a balance between its hard power and soft power amid the

uncertainties prevailing in the multipolar world. It is a matter of great pride

that India has strengthened its global position.

A new, strong and organized

India has emerged before the world. There was a time when India was not taken

seriously at international forums but today when we speak the world listens.

This is inspired by the ideals of Major Khathing. Rajnath Singh expressed

satisfaction that India is touching new heights due to the organizational

skills acquired from personalities like Major Khathing. He stressed the need to

remain organized to transform India into a developed India by 2047.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi