Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined Indian Army personnel for the traditional ‘Bada Khana’ at Sukna Military Station in West Bengal on the eve of Diwali, celebrating the spirit of camaraderie, unity and brotherhood that binds the Armed Forces.
Sharing his experience, Rajnath Singh described the occasion as an immense privilege and expressed admiration for the soldiers who continue to safeguard the nation’s borders while remaining away from their families and loved ones during important festivals.
The traditional Bada Khana, an important part of military culture, brings officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and soldiers together for a collective meal, symbolising equality, mutual respect and the strong bonds that exist within the Armed Forces.
Highlighting the significance of the gathering, the Defence Minister said that such occasions reflect the collective spirit of the Indian Army, where differences in rank take a back seat and personnel come together as members of one family.
Rajnath Singh also spoke about the importance of India’s northeastern region, describing it as the glorious beginning of the country rather than its distant frontier. He emphasised that the Northeast is the first region to witness the sunrise and welcome the day’s first light, underlining its special place in India’s geographical and national identity.
The Defence Minister said that spending time with soldiers stationed far from their homes was always a deeply moving and humbling experience. He praised their dedication, resilience and commitment to duty, particularly during festive occasions when families across the country gather to celebrate.
He observed that the warm smiles, camaraderie and collective spirit of the soldiers represent the true strength and unity of India’s Armed Forces.
Rajnath Singh further emphasised that the courage, unwavering dedication and high morale of Indian soldiers give millions of citizens the confidence to celebrate festivals in peace and security.
Paying tribute to the personnel serving the nation, the Defence Minister saluted the brave sons of Bharat Mata for their selfless service and continued commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The celebration at Sukna Military Station highlighted the enduring traditions of the Indian Army, where shared meals and festive gatherings strengthen bonds between officers and soldiers while reinforcing the values of unity, discipline and service before self.
During his visit to Sukna on November 7, 2026, Rajnath Singh also reviewed the operational preparedness of the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps. He received briefings on infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control and the deployment of advanced military equipment and emerging technologies to strengthen combat effectiveness.
The Defence Minister is scheduled to visit the Sherathang War Memorial in Sikkim on November 8, where he will pay tribute to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation and interact with personnel deployed in the region.
His Diwali engagements reflect the government’s emphasis on recognising the sacrifices of military personnel and maintaining close engagement with troops serving in strategically important border regions.
