Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrates Holi with soldiers in Leh
Commends their valour, determination & sacrifice for protecting the nation
in harsh terrain & inclement weather
Defence Minister urges Armed Forces to establish a new tradition of starting
the celebrations of festivals with the soldiers a day before
“Such celebrations with the country’s protectors should become an integral part
of our culture”
Change in scheduled visit to world’s highest battlefield Siachen due to adverse
weather conditions
He extends Holi greetings
to soldiers posted there over phone; Tells them that he will soon visit Siachen
& interact with them
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated the
festival of colours Holi with soldiers in Leh on March 24, 2024. He was
accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and General Officer
Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps Lt Gen Rashim Bali.
Addressing the soldiers, the Defence Minister commended
their valour, determination and sacrifice as they serve in harsh terrain &
inclement weather conditions to protect the motherland. The positive commitment
of the soldiers posted in high altitudes is much stronger than minus
temperatures, he said. He termed Ladakh as India’s capital of valour &
bravery, just as Delhi is the national capital, Mumbai is the financial capital
and Bengaluru is the technology capital.
“The entire country feels safe as our brave
soldiers are protecting the borders. We are progressing and leading a happy
life as our vigilant soldiers stand ready at the borders. Every citizen is
proud of the Armed Forces as they live far away from their families so that we
celebrate Holi and other festivals with our families peacefully. The nation
will forever be indebted to our soldiers, and their courage and sacrifices will
keep inspiring the future generations,” Rajnath Singh said.
The Defence Minister asserted that he decided to
celebrate Holi with the soldiers a day before, as he believes that the
festivals should first be celebrated by and with the protectors of the country.
He urged the Chiefs of the three Services to establish a new tradition of
beginning the celebrations of the festivals with the soldiers a day before.
“Such celebrations with soldiers on the snowy peaks of Kargil, in the scorching
plains of Rajasthan and in the submarines located in the deep seas should
become an integral part of our culture,” he said.
On the occasion, Rajnath Singh also laid a wreath
at the War Memorial, Leh as a mark of solemn tribute to the bravehearts who
have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
Later, the Defence Minister spoke with the soldiers
posted in the world’s highest battlefield Siachen over phone and extended the
Holi greetings. He told them that he will soon visit Siachen and interact with
them. Rajnath Singh was scheduled to visit Siachen and celebrate Holi with the
troops there. However, due to adverse weather conditions, there was a change in
the programme and he celebrated the festival of colours with the soldiers in
Leh.