As people across the country celebrated Diwali with their families, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spent the festival with Indian Army personnel deployed along the rugged Himalayan frontier in Sikkim, lauding their commitment to national security under some of the toughest operational conditions.
The Defence Minister visited soldiers of the Trishakti Corps (33 Corps) stationed in forward areas of the strategically important border sector.
He was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command Lt Gen V.M.B. Krishnan, General Officer Commanding 33 Corps Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann, and other senior Army officers.
Extending Diwali greetings to the troops, Rajnath Singh praised their professionalism, courage and dedication in safeguarding the nation’s borders.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by soldiers who remain away from their families during festivals and special occasions, placing national duty above personal celebrations.
Addressing the troops, the Defence Minister said modern military technology can strengthen capabilities, but discipline, courage and commitment remain the defining qualities of a soldier.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining strong ties with local communities, noting that the conduct and professionalism of military personnel help strengthen trust between the Army and residents living in border regions.
The visit included a stop at the Sherathang War Memorial, where Rajnath Singh paid tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
Describing war memorials as symbols of collective memory and national pride, he said they preserve the stories of sacrifice that continue to inspire future generations.
The Defence Minister noted that soldiers commemorated at the memorial hailed from different parts of the country, including Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Assam.
“Their sacrifice reflects the spirit of India, where people from diverse backgrounds unite in service of the nation,” he said.
A significant part of the visit was Rajnath Singh’s homage at the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial, one of the most well-known military shrines in the eastern Himalayas.
Located near the Nathu La region, the shrine is dedicated to Sepoy Harbhajan Singh, a soldier of the Punjab Regiment who died while on duty in 1968. Over the years, he has become a revered figure among soldiers and local residents, earning a unique place in the folklore and traditions of the Sikkim frontier.
The shrine attracts visitors from across the country and is regarded as a symbol of dedication, sacrifice and unwavering vigilance.
By paying his respects at the memorial, Rajnath Singh acknowledged a legacy that continues to resonate among generations of soldiers serving in the region.
The Sikkim sector remains one of India’s strategically important border regions, with troops operating in high-altitude terrain and harsh weather conditions throughout the year.
The Defence Minister’s Diwali visit served as a message of support and appreciation for personnel stationed far from their homes, while highlighting the role they play in securing the country’s frontiers.
As lamps illuminated homes across India, the celebrations in the mountains of Sikkim offered a reminder of the men and women in uniform who continue to stand guard, ensuring the nation’s security through every season and every festival.
