Sherathang (Sikkim), November 2026 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday compared Indian soldiers to Diwali lamps, saying that just as a diya silently dispels darkness, security personnel safeguard the country while the nation celebrates the festival of lights.
Addressing Army personnel at the Sherathang War Memorial in Sikkim's Gangtok district, Singh extended Diwali greetings to the soldiers and their families and paid tribute to those who had made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
He said the country's ability to celebrate Diwali peacefully was made possible by the courage and sacrifices of soldiers guarding its borders.
“The fact that we are able to light Diwali lamps in our homes today is because of the supreme sacrifice made by our brave soldiers,” he said.
Referring to the difficult conditions in which personnel are deployed, particularly at high-altitude locations, the Defence Minister said he was deeply moved by their enthusiasm and commitment.
“Standing here among you at the high altitude of Sherathang, in this cold region, the warmth and energy I am receiving from all of you are difficult to express in words. The smiles on your faces, your enthusiasm and your spirit are the greatest light of Diwali for me,” he said.
Drawing a parallel between soldiers and traditional oil lamps, Singh observed that the light generated by their dedication reached every household in the country.
“The light emitted by you is reaching every house of the country,” he said, adding that soldiers continued to ensure national security even as citizens celebrated the festival with their families.
Discipline and courage remain soldiers' greatest strengths
The Defence Minister emphasised that advanced military technology alone could not guarantee security without the discipline, courage and determination of personnel operating on the ground.
He described discipline as the biggest strength of the armed forces and said the conduct of soldiers played an important role in shaping public perception of the military.
Singh pointed out that the uniform, patience and language of soldiers at their respective places of deployment created a distinct impression among local communities. He urged Army personnel to maintain and strengthen their relationships with civilians.
He said soldiers considered every Indian a member of their family and did not hesitate to put their own lives at risk to protect civilians.
The Defence Minister also noted that soldiers who had laid down their lives in the region came from different parts of the country, reflecting India's diversity, unity and shared national identity.
War memorials inspire future generations
Singh highlighted the importance of war memorials in preserving the country's collective memory and strengthening national pride.
He said such memorials were not merely structures commemorating past incidents and fallen soldiers but also represented the collective conscience of the nation.
“Though memorials are made for the dead, they serve as an inspiration for the living,” he said, referring to the popular belief that monuments are ultimately meant for future generations.
Citing the National War Memorial in New Delhi, the Defence Minister said it carries the names of 2,600 martyrs who sacrificed their lives while defending the country.
He observed that families of fallen soldiers often experience a mixture of emotion, motivation and pride when they see the names of their loved ones commemorated at the memorial.
Singh said the Sherathang War Memorial would serve a similar purpose by honouring the sacrifices of soldiers and inspiring those who visit it.
He added that the memorial would remain a source of motivation for young people and future generations, encouraging them to understand the values of courage, sacrifice, patriotism and service to the nation.
