Dehradun, November 7, 2026: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a Diwali Milan programme with soldiers of the Garhwal Rifles at the Garhwal Rifles training ground in Garhi Cantonment, Dehradun, celebrating the festival of lights with military personnel and expressing gratitude for their dedication, sacrifices and service to the nation.
During the programme, the Chief Minister interacted with soldiers and military officers, exchanged festive greetings and praised the Indian Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country, even during festivals and special occasions when many personnel remain away from their families.
Sharing details of the celebration, Dhami said he was delighted to participate in the Diwali Milan ceremony with the brave soldiers of the Garhwal Regiment and share the joy of the festival with them.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister extended his Diwali greetings to all military personnel, particularly soldiers of the Garhwal Rifles, and acknowledged their professionalism, discipline and dedication towards national service.
He highlighted that soldiers and military officers continue to fulfil their responsibilities under demanding circumstances, irrespective of festivals, personal commitments or challenging operational conditions.
Dhami described the opportunity to celebrate Diwali among soldiers as a memorable experience and praised their willingness to serve the nation while remaining separated from their homes and families.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the dedication and spirit of selfless service demonstrated by Armed Forces personnel serve as an inspiration to citizens across the country.
The Garhwal Rifles is one of the Indian Army’s distinguished infantry regiments, with a proud military history and a longstanding tradition of courage, discipline and battlefield excellence. The regiment has produced numerous decorated soldiers and has participated in several major military operations throughout its history.
The Diwali Milan programme at Garhi Cantonment reflected Uttarakhand’s deep association with the Indian Armed Forces. The state has a strong military tradition, with generations of residents serving in the Army and other defence services.
During the interaction, Dhami also spoke about the upcoming inauguration of Sainya Dham, a memorial project dedicated to honouring the courage and sacrifices of soldiers from Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister stated that construction of Sainya Dham had been completed and that the memorial would be inaugurated soon. He said the facility would be dedicated to the people of Uttarakhand and the entire country, serving as a tribute to military personnel who have contributed to national defence.
Sainya Dham has been developed in Dehradun to honour the state’s military heritage and commemorate soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. The project is intended to preserve their legacy and provide a place where future generations can learn about their sacrifices.
During his interaction with the media, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also welcomed the Centre’s reported decision to extend the engagement period of Agniveers by an additional two years.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dhami described the decision as a Diwali gift for Agniveers and their families. He said the development would provide additional opportunities to young military personnel and acknowledged the importance of supporting those serving under the Agnipath scheme.
The Chief Minister also responded to political questions concerning Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks about the target of securing more than 65 seats in Uttarakhand. Dhami praised Shah’s extensive organisational experience and said party workers would work with full commitment towards achieving the stated electoral objective.
The Diwali celebration with Garhwal Rifles soldiers highlighted the close relationship between the people of Uttarakhand and the Indian Armed Forces. The state is widely recognised for its strong military heritage and its contribution of soldiers and officers to the country’s defence services.
Dhami reiterated his respect for the Armed Forces and acknowledged that soldiers continue to perform their duties under challenging circumstances, often sacrificing time with their families during important occasions.
The programme concluded with a message of gratitude and appreciation for military personnel, reaffirming the Uttarakhand government’s commitment to honouring the Armed Forces, preserving the state’s military heritage and recognising the sacrifices made by soldiers in the service of the nation.
