India’s History Symbolises Valour, Not Defeat: Union Tourism and Culture Minister

Honour accorded to war widows and women of valour

Jaipur, December 2025 : A dignified ceremony to honour ex-servicemen was organised on Tuesday by the All India Ex-Servicemen Service Council as part of the Western Rajasthan Industry and Handicrafts Festival held in Jodhpur. Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, attended the programme as the chief guest.

Major General Anurag Chhibber, Flying Officer Narayan Singh Jodha, CPO Jabar Singh, Chairman of the Animal Welfare Board Shri Jaswant Singh Bishnoi, and former National President of Laghu Udyog Bharati Shri Ghanshyam Ojha were present as distinguished guests.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that India’s history is not one of defeat but a shining symbol of courage, valour and heroism. He stated that for centuries, India’s ancestors fought against invaders to protect the nation’s culture and identity, yet unfortunately, for a long time the country was taught a narrative of defeat. The truth, he said, is that India has always been identified with bravery and indomitable spirit.

Shri Shekhawat emphasised that honouring brave soldiers and women of valour is an inseparable part of Indian culture. He said that the felicitation of war widows and brave women on this platform was not merely an individual honour, but an expression of gratitude towards all those silent sentinels of the nation who, even after sacrificing their loved ones, continued to uphold the unity and integrity of the country with patience and dedication.

The Union Minister noted that India’s current standing in the world is deeply rooted in the contribution and sacrifices of countless brave soldiers. Paying tribute to Major Shaitan Singh and all valiant soldiers devoted to the nation, he said that the glorious history of India’s armed forces is an immortal saga of duty, character-building and enduring values.

Describing present-day India as “New India,” Shri Shekhawat said that there was a time when the country depended on other nations for military equipment, but today India is rapidly moving towards self-reliance in the defence sector. He added that several countries across the world are now eager to purchase defence equipment manufactured in India. Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, whenever the nation has faced challenges, the Indian armed forces have responded decisively through operations such as surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor.

He further stated that the country is moving swiftly towards the goal of a developed India, and active participation from every citizen is essential in this journey. National security, he said, is not the responsibility of soldiers alone but a collective duty of all citizens, and everyone must always be ready to make sacrifices for the nation.

During the programme organised by the All India Ex-Servicemen Service Council, 11 war widows and brave women were honoured by the Western Rajasthan Industry and Handicrafts Festival Committee.