Rajnath Singh celebrates Diwali with soldiers in forward areas of Sikkim

NEW DELHI, Nov 8 – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Diwali with soldiers of the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps in the forward areas of Sikkim on Sunday, praising their commitment to protecting the country’s borders in challenging high-altitude conditions.
Singh visited Sherathang, accompanied by Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Eastern Command chief Lieutenant General VMB Krishnan, 33 Corps commander Lieutenant General Man Raj Singh Mann and other senior military officers.
Interacting with troops, Singh described soldiers as the brightest lights of Diwali, saying their vigilance and dedication provided security to millions of Indians celebrating the festival with their families.
“Like a lamp which dispels darkness without seeking attention, soldiers perform their duties silently, ensuring that citizens can celebrate festivals with peace and security,” Singh said.
He commended the troops for their professionalism, high morale and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders, acknowledging the sacrifices of personnel who spend festivals away from their families while prioritising their military responsibilities.
Singh also stressed the importance of discipline and courage, saying advanced technology alone could not ensure military effectiveness without these qualities. He urged soldiers to maintain high standards of conduct and strengthen relations with local communities in Sherathang and surrounding areas.
During the visit, the defence minister paid tribute at the Sherathang War Memorial to soldiers killed in the line of duty and visited the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial to honour the soldier whose legacy remains deeply rooted in the region’s military traditions.
Addressing the significance of war memorials, Singh said they served not only as reminders of past sacrifices but also as symbols of national unity and collective pride.
He noted that soldiers commemorated at the Sherathang memorial came from different parts of India, including Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Assam, saying their sacrifices reflected a shared commitment to protecting the country regardless of regional, linguistic or cultural differences.
Singh also highlighted the National War Memorial in New Delhi, established under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to honour fallen soldiers.
He said approximately 26,000 names of military personnel who made the supreme sacrifice had been inscribed in golden letters at the memorial, adding that such monuments inspired future generations and provided a source of pride for the families and communities of the fallen.
PIB