'Indebted to Their Valour': Rajnath Singh Honours Bravehearts in Sikkim
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Sherathang War Memorial in Sikkim on Diwali to honor fallen soldiers and interact with troops.

On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh travelled to Sikkim to pay a poignant tribute to the fallen soldiers of the nation. Visiting the Sherathang War Memorial near the Nathula Pass, the Minister reflected on the immense sacrifices made by the security forces to ensure the safety and sovereignty of India.
A Tribute to Eternal Sacrifice
While paying homage to the immortal bravehearts, Rajnath Singh emphasised that memorials are not merely tributes to those who have passed, but are vital beacons for those still living. He noted that such monuments serve as a constant reminder of national duty and act as a catalyst to awaken national pride among citizens.
"Monuments are for the living, not the dead; they stand to continuously inspire us and awaken our national pride. Their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty will forever remain etched in the memory of a grateful nation, and we will always remain indebted to their valour," the Defence Minister stated in a post on X.
Jawans as the 'Diyas' of the Nation
Beyond the memorial, the Union Minister spent significant time interacting with the courageous troops currently deployed in the forward and challenging sectors of Sikkim. In a stirring comparison, Singh likened the vigilance of the Indian Army personnel to the traditional lamps lit during Diwali.
He remarked that the jawans are like 'diyas' themselves, silently battling the darkness of threats and hardships to spread the light of security to every household across the country. He praised their high morale and boundless patriotism, stating that their spirit burns brighter than a thousand lamps, even when facing extreme weather conditions and treacherous terrain.
Celebrating Diwali with the Guardians
The Defence Minister expressed that celebrating the festival of lights among the "true guardians of the motherland" was a matter of profound pride. He highlighted a fundamental truth: the discipline and dedication of the soldiers stationed at the borders are what allow the rest of the country's citizens to celebrate festivals and sleep in peace.
Concluding his visit, Rajnath Singh extended his warmest wishes for a happy and prosperous Diwali to all the brave personnel serving on the borders and their families, acknowledging the silent strength and sacrifice of the families who support these soldiers.