India's Defence Minister Celebrates Diwali With Troops at Sikkim Border Memorials

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Diwali on Sunday with Indian Army personnel at the Sherathang War Memorial near Nathula Pass in Sikkim. He said the soldiers' presence along the borders allowed citizens to celebrate festivals and sleep peacefully.

Singh extended festive greetings to the troops and their families and paid tribute to the martyrs commemorated at the war memorial who laid down their lives in service of the nation. He compared the soldiers to lamps illuminating the country, saying their light reached every household across India.

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

The Defence Minister was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen VMB Krishnan, and General Officer Commanding of 33 Corps Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann. He interacted with troops of the Trishakti Corps deployed in Sikkim's forward areas under challenging high-altitude conditions.

Singh described the soldiers as the brightest lights of Diwali and said their silent commitment to duty gave the entire nation a sense of security. He stressed that discipline and courage were essential, noting that even the most advanced technology would be of little use if a soldier lacked these qualities.

He also urged soldiers to strengthen the bond of trust and goodwill between the Army and local communities in Sherathang and surrounding areas. He highlighted that the conduct, uniform, language and restraint of Army personnel shaped the military's image among local people.

During the visit, Singh paid homage at the Sherathang War Memorial and also visited the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial, paying respects to the revered soldier. He said war memorials did more than commemorate past sacrifices, as they helped shape collective memory and strengthen national consciousness and pride.

Singh noted that the soldiers remembered at the Sherathang memorial belonged to different parts of the country, including Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. He congratulated the families of the martyrs on Diwali.