Raksha Mantri celebrates Deepawali with troops in forward areas of Sikkim Commends the courage, professionalism & dedication of soldiers guarding the borders in challenging high-altitude conditions

Raksha Mantri celebrates Deepawali with troops in forward areas of Sikkim

Commends the courage, professionalism & dedication of soldiers guarding the borders

in challenging high-altitude conditions

Shri Rajnath Singh honours fallen heroes at Sherathang War Memorial; pays respects at

Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh celebrated Deepawali with the soldiers of the Trishakti
Corps (33 Corps) deployed in the forward areas of Sikkim, on November 8, 2026. He was
accompanied by the 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 officers of the
Indian Army.

Interacting with the soldiers at Sherathang, Shri Rajnath Singh 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.

Raksha Mantri commended the soldiers for their professionalism, high morale and
steadfast commitment to safeguarding the Nation’s borders in challenging high-altitude
conditions, urging them to continue protecting the motherland with the same
enthusiasm and dedication. He acknowledged the sacrifices of soldiers who serve far
away from their families, placing duty to the Nation above self and personal celebrations.

Underlining the importance of discipline and courage, Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that no
matter how advanced technology may become, it is of little use if a soldier lacks these
qualities. He underlined that the conduct, uniform, language and restraint of the
personnel shape the image of the military among local communities. He urged the
soldiers to continue strengthening the bond of trust & goodwill shared by the Indian
Army and the local population in Sherathang & surrounding areas.

Raksha Mantri also paid homage at the Sherathang War Memorial to the soldiers who
made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the Nation. He also visited Baba Harbhajan
Singh Memorial, paying his respects to the revered soldier whose legacy continues to
hold a special place in the military-civil traditions of the region.

Highlighting the significance of the Sherathang War Memorial, Shri Rajnath Singh
emphasised that such monuments do more than commemorate past events and
sacrifices; they shape collective memory and awaken national consciousness & pride. He
stated that the soldiers honoured at the 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.
Raksha Mantri emphasised that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi, established the National War Memorial in New Delhi to honour the
gallant 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.