Rajnath celebrates Holi with soldiers at border
Defence minister wants festivals celebrated first with those protecting nation
Defence minister Rajnath Singh lauded the resilience and dedication of Indian soldiers safeguarding the nation’s borders, emphasising their unwavering commitment even in freezing temperatures.
“The positive commitment of our jawans posted in high altitudes is much stronger than subzero temperatures”, he said while addressing the soldiers in Leh.
Addressing soldiers in Leh alongside Army Chief General Manoj Pande and General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps Lt. Gen. Rashim Bali, Singh celebrated Holi with troops in Ladakh’s main town.
He expressed his belief that festivals should be celebrated first and foremost with those protecting the country.
Rajnath Singh urged service chiefs to initiate a tradition of commencing festival celebrations with soldiers a day in advance, proposing that such gatherings should become integral to India’s cultural fabric across various terrains.
Later, Singh shared images of his Holi celebrations with troops in Leh on the microblogging site ‘X,’ expressing his joy at commemorating the festival with the Indian Armed Forces.
Originally intending to celebrate Holi at the Siachen Glacier, Rajnath Singh was deterred by inclement weather.
Nonetheless, he extended Holi greetings to soldiers there via phone, promising to visit soon.
In his address, Rajnath Singh acknowledged India’s ongoing progress despite occasional border incidents, crediting vigilant soldiers for safeguarding the nation and enabling citizens to celebrate festivals peacefully.
“Our borders are vast and spread in all directions. Some untoward incidents do take place here and there, but we are progressing and leading a happy life because our vigilant soldiers stand guard ceaselessly at our borders,” the defence minister said.
Rajnath Singh lauded Ladakh as India’s hub of valour. The defence minister paid homage at the War Memorial in Leh, honouring the sacrifices of soldiers who have served the nation.