Rajnath Singh Celebrates Diwali with Army Troops in Forward Areas of Sikkim, Pays Tribute to Fallen Soldiers

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Deepawali with Indian Army personnel deployed in the forward areas of Sikkim on November 8, 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the armed forces and acknowledging the courage and sacrifices of soldiers guarding the country’s borders under challenging high-altitude conditions.

The Raksha Mantri visited the forward locations of the Trishakti Corps (33 Corps), where he interacted with soldiers and extended festive greetings to them. He praised their professionalism, discipline, dedication and unwavering commitment to national security, noting that their constant vigilance enables millions of Indians to celebrate festivals in peace and security.

The Defence Minister was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command Lieutenant General VMB Krishnan, General Officer Commanding of 33 Corps Lieutenant General Man Raj Singh Mann and other senior officers of the Indian Army.

During his interaction with troops at Sherathang, Rajnath Singh described the soldiers deployed along the borders as the brightest lights of Diwali, highlighting their role in protecting the nation while remaining away from their families during important festivals.

He compared the dedication of soldiers to a lamp that dispels darkness without seeking attention, observing that military personnel perform their responsibilities silently and selflessly so that citizens across the country can celebrate festivals without fear.

“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.

Defence Minister Praises Soldiers’ Commitment in High-Altitude Areas

The Defence Minister commended the soldiers of the Trishakti Corps for maintaining high morale and demonstrating exceptional professionalism while performing duties in difficult geographical and climatic conditions.

He acknowledged that personnel deployed in forward areas face several challenges, including extreme weather, difficult terrain and prolonged separation from their families.

Despite these hardships, he said, soldiers continue to place the interests of the nation above personal comfort and family celebrations.

Rajnath Singh urged the troops to maintain the same enthusiasm, dedication and determination while safeguarding India’s territorial integrity and national interests.

He also emphasised the importance of discipline and courage in military service, observing that technological advancement alone cannot ensure operational effectiveness unless personnel possess these essential qualities.

According to the Defence Minister, even the most advanced military equipment and modern technologies have limited value if soldiers lack discipline, courage, determination and professional commitment.

He stressed that the conduct and behaviour of military personnel are equally important in maintaining the reputation of the armed forces.

The Defence Minister pointed out that a soldier’s uniform, language, behaviour and restraint collectively shape the perception of the Indian Army among local communities.

He encouraged the troops to continue strengthening the relationship of mutual trust, cooperation and goodwill between the Army and residents of Sherathang and surrounding areas.

Rajnath Singh Pays Homage at Sherathang War Memorial

During his visit, the Defence Minister also paid tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation at the Sherathang War Memorial.

He offered floral tributes and remembered the supreme sacrifices made by personnel while protecting India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Highlighting the significance of war memorials, Rajnath Singh said that these monuments are not merely structures commemorating historical events but also institutions that preserve collective memory and strengthen national consciousness.

He observed that the soldiers remembered at the Sherathang War Memorial belonged to different parts of the country, including Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Assam.

Despite differences in geographical backgrounds, languages, cultures and communities, these soldiers fought for a common national cause and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their fellow citizens.

The Defence Minister said their sacrifice represented the fundamental spirit of national unity and selfless service.

He emphasised that the soldiers had laid down their lives to protect the people of India, irrespective of their region, language or community.

According to him, this spirit of considering every Indian as a member of one family reflects the country’s unity and shared national identity.

He said the memories of these brave soldiers should inspire present and future generations to uphold the values of patriotism, courage, sacrifice and national integration.

Pays Respect at Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial

Rajnath Singh also visited the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial in Sikkim and paid his respects to the revered soldier whose legacy continues to hold a special place in the military and civilian traditions of the region.

The memorial is associated with the enduring remembrance of soldier Harbhajan Singh, whose story has become deeply connected with the traditions and collective memories of Army personnel and local communities in the region.

The Defence Minister’s visit highlighted the importance of preserving the legacy of soldiers whose service and sacrifice have become an integral part of India’s military heritage.

National War Memorial Honours Around 26,000 Fallen Heroes

During his address, the Defence Minister also highlighted the importance of the National War Memorial in New Delhi, established by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the country.

He noted that approximately 26,000 names of fallen military personnel have been inscribed in golden letters at the National War Memorial as a permanent tribute to their extraordinary courage and sacrifice.

Rajnath Singh said that seeing the name of a fallen soldier at the memorial evokes a deep sense of pride and emotion among the families, relatives and people from the soldier’s native village and region.

He emphasised that war memorials across the country serve as powerful reminders of the sacrifices made by the armed forces and inspire citizens to respect the values for which soldiers laid down their lives.

The Defence Minister observed that such memorials preserve the nation’s military history while passing the legacy of bravery and patriotism to future generations.

Diwali Celebrations Reflect Nation’s Gratitude to Armed Forces

Rajnath Singh’s visit to the forward areas of Sikkim on Deepawali was part of the country’s continuing tradition of acknowledging and celebrating festivals with security personnel deployed in challenging locations.

The interaction provided an opportunity to recognise the contribution of soldiers who remain stationed far from their homes to ensure the safety and security of the country.

By celebrating the festival with Trishakti Corps personnel, the Defence Minister conveyed the nation’s gratitude to the armed forces for their unwavering commitment to protecting India’s borders.

His address also reinforced the importance of maintaining strong relations between the military and local communities, preserving the legacy of fallen heroes and ensuring that the sacrifices of soldiers remain an enduring source of national inspiration.

The visit concluded with a tribute to the courage, professionalism and dedication of Indian Army personnel serving in the strategically important forward areas of Sikkim.