Daijiworld Media Network - Sherathang
Sherathang (Sikkim), Nov 8: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday compared Indian soldiers to 'diyas' lit during Diwali, saying that just as the lamps silently dispel darkness, the armed forces ensure the security of the nation while the country celebrates the festival of lights.
Extending Diwali greetings to Army personnel and their families, Singh said the freedom to celebrate the festival and light lamps at home was possible because of the supreme sacrifices made by brave soldiers.
"The fact that we are able to light Diwali lamps in our homes today is because of the supreme sacrifice made by our brave soldiers," he said while addressing Army personnel at the Sherathang War Memorial in Sikkim's Gangtok district.
He said soldiers had laid down their lives to safeguard the country's security and sovereignty. Expressing his appreciation for the personnel serving in the harsh, high-altitude region, Singh said their enthusiasm and morale had left a deep impression on him.
"Standing here among you at the high altitude of Sherathang, in this cold region, the warmth and energy I am receiving from all of you are difficult to express in words. The smiles on your faces, your enthusiasm and your spirit are the greatest light of Diwali for me," he said.
Drawing a parallel between soldiers and Diwali lamps, the Defence Minister said the light spread by the armed forces reached every household in the country.
"The light emitted by you is reaching every house of the country," he said.
Singh emphasised that even the most advanced technology could not deliver results without the discipline and courage of the armed forces, describing discipline as their greatest strength.
"Your discipline is your biggest strength," he added.
He also highlighted the important role played by Army personnel in building relationships with civilians in their areas of posting. He said their uniform, patience and manner of communication helped create a distinct image of the armed forces among local residents and urged them to maintain these bonds.
"Like a Diwali lamp that silently fights darkness, you assure the country of its security. While the nation celebrates the festival, you ensure security at the borders," he said.
The Defence Minister noted that the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in the region belonged to different parts of India, reflecting the country's unity and diversity.
He said every soldier considered every Indian a member of their family and never hesitated to put their own lives at risk to protect civilians.
Singh said war memorials gave shape to the collective conscience of the nation and played an important role in strengthening national pride by remembering the sacrifices and individuals associated with historic events.
Referring to the popular saying that monuments are meant for the living and not the dead, he said memorials, though built in honour of those who had died, served as a source of inspiration for the living.
He also referred to the National War Memorial in New Delhi, which bears the names of 2,600 martyrs who laid down their lives while defending the nation.
"Now whenever the family members of those martyrs visit the memorial, they feel emotional, motivated as well as proud looking at the mention of their loved ones," Singh said.
He expressed confidence that the Sherathang War Memorial would similarly inspire visitors and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers in protecting the country.
"This war memorial will continue to inspire our youth and future generations," he added.