While people across the country celebrated Diwali with their families, thousands of Indian Army personnel remained deployed along the borders, performing their duty to safeguard the nation. Recognising their dedication and sacrifices, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Diwali on November 8, 2026, with soldiers of the Trishakti Corps (33 Corps) stationed in the forward areas of Sikkim.
During his visit, the Defence Minister appreciated the courage, professionalism, discipline and unwavering commitment of the soldiers who continue to protect the country's borders under challenging high-altitude conditions.
Rajnath Singh 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 Army officers.
Interacting with soldiers at Sherathang, the Defence Minister described them as the brightest lights of Diwali, saying that their dedication and constant vigilance provide a sense of security to the entire nation.
He observed that just as a lamp silently removes darkness without seeking attention, soldiers perform their duties away from the public eye, ensuring that citizens can celebrate festivals peacefully and safely.
The Defence Minister praised the high morale, professionalism and commitment of the troops and encouraged them to continue serving the nation with the same enthusiasm and dedication. He also acknowledged the personal sacrifices made by soldiers who remain away from their families during festivals, placing national duty above their personal celebrations.
Emphasising the importance of discipline and courage in military service, Rajnath Singh said that even the most advanced technology cannot deliver the desired results if soldiers lack these essential qualities. He pointed out that the conduct, uniform, language and restraint demonstrated by military personnel play an important role in shaping the image of the armed forces among local communities.
He urged the soldiers to continue strengthening the relationship of trust, goodwill and cooperation between the Indian Army and the people living in Sherathang and neighbouring areas.
During the visit, the Defence Minister also paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. He offered floral tributes at the Sherathang War Memorial and remembered the supreme sacrifices made by military personnel in protecting India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He also visited the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial 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.
Highlighting the importance of war memorials, Rajnath Singh said that these monuments are not merely structures commemorating historical events but also powerful symbols of national pride, collective memory and patriotism.
He noted 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 language, culture and geographical backgrounds, they made the ultimate sacrifice to protect fellow citizens.
The Defence Minister said that this spirit of unity, brotherhood and selfless service represents the true essence of India, where people from different regions and communities stand together as members of one national family.
Referring to the National War Memorial in New Delhi, Rajnath Singh highlighted the government's initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the country.
He stated that approximately 26,000 names of fallen soldiers have been inscribed in golden letters at the National War Memorial as a tribute to their extraordinary courage and sacrifice.
He added that seeing the names of their loved ones at the memorial fills the families, relatives and people from their native villages with a deep sense of pride. Such memorials also serve as an enduring source of inspiration for present and future generations.
The Defence Minister's Diwali visit to Sikkim once again highlighted the importance of recognising the sacrifices of India's armed forces, particularly those serving in difficult geographical and climatic conditions far away from their homes.