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.