Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh celebrated Diwali with the soldiers of the 4 Corps Headquarters in Tezpur, Assam, on October 30, 2024. Joined by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Eastern Command’s GOC-in-C Lt Gen RC Tewari, and GOC of 4 Corps Lt Gen Gambhir Singh, the Defence Minister extended festive greetings and acknowledged the soldiers’ spirit, courage, and commitment to the nation.
During the celebrations, which included a traditional Barakhana meal, Rajnath Singh commended the soldiers for their exemplary discipline and bravery, calling them an inspiration to India’s youth. He emphasized that India is committed to peaceful relations with its neighbors and highlighted recent diplomatic and military efforts with China to restore peace along certain areas of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Reflecting on a policy initiated by former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he stated, “We can change our friends but not our neighbors,” underscoring India’s dedication to peaceful coexistence. However, he assured that all necessary measures would be taken to secure India’s borders, with a focus on the welfare of the forces.
Shri Rajnath Singh also highlighted India’s rising stature on the global stage, attributing it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the strength of the Indian Armed Forces. He urged the troops to stay vigilant, noting the complexities of an evolving global security environment.
Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister reviewed 4 Corps’ operational readiness and infrastructure advancements along the LAC. He praised the Corps’ deployment of advanced technology and military equipment to enhance operational effectiveness and recognized their significant contributions to border area development.
The Defence Minister concluded by lauding the concept of Barakhana for fostering camaraderie among ranks, saying, “Barakhana illustrates that we are more than just our official titles; we are a family united in our commitment to safeguarding the nation.”
