Diwali with Bravehearts: Rajnath Singh to Visit Bagdogra and Sikkim
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits Bagdogra and Sikkim to interact with soldiers and pay tribute to martyrs during Diwali celebrations.
In a gesture of solidarity and gratitude, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will spend the Diwali festivities with the guardians of India's borders. The Union Minister is scheduled to interact with Indian Army personnel at Bagdogra Airfield in Darjeeling on the eve of the festival, ensuring that the soldiers stationed far from home feel the warmth of the nation's appreciation.
A Journey of Gratitude Across the East
Taking to the social media platform X, the Defence Minister detailed his itinerary for the festive period. His visit begins on Saturday, where he will engage with military personnel deployed at Bagdogra Airfield as well as those stationed at Sukna in Siliguri.
The celebrations will extend into Diwali day on November 8, as Rajnath Singh travels to Sikkim. The highlight of this visit will be a solemn trip to the Sherathang War Memorial. Here, the Minister will pay his respects and offer tributes to the martyred soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
"Today, on the eve of Diwali, I will meet and interact with Indian Army personnel at Bagdogra Airfield in Darjeeling and at Sukna (Siliguri). Tomorrow (November 8), on Diwali, I will visit the Sherathang War Memorial in Sikkim to pay tribute to our brave sons who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation," stated Rajnath Singh.
Beyond the tributes, the Minister will also spend time interacting with the soldiers currently deployed in the Sikkim region, boosting morale during the festival of lights.
Major Boost for Agniveers
This visit comes on the heels of a significant policy announcement regarding the Agnipath scheme. On November 4, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a 'Second Tour of Duty' for Agniveers.
Key Highlights of the New Policy:
- Extended Service: Eligible Agniveers can now opt for an additional two-year tour of duty.
- Path to Regular Service: The decision opens a window for willing Agniveers to be enrolled as regular soldiers after completing their initial four or six years of service, provided they meet the necessary selection criteria.
- Strategic Reform: The Defence Minister framed this move as part of a larger structural reform to ensure the military remains young, fit, and technologically advanced.
Expressing his gratitude to the Prime Minister, Rajnath Singh emphasized that these changes are designed to help the Indian Armed Forces adapt to the evolving nature of modern warfare and meet emerging security challenges with a more robust and agile force.