Chief Minister personally serves sweets to soldiers and shares festive greetings
Dhami recalls memories of his military family background while interacting with personnel
The sacrifice of soldiers and dedication of their families make the lamps lit in our homes possible: Chief Minister
Dehradun, November 2026: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami celebrated Diwali with soldiers at a special gathering organised at the Garhwal Greens Training Ground in Garhi Cantt, Dehradun, on Saturday.
The Chief Minister personally served sweets to the soldiers and extended his Diwali greetings. He interacted warmly with the personnel and expressed gratitude for their courage, valour and dedication in safeguarding the country.
Addressing the gathering, Dhami said that being among the brave soldiers of the Garhwal Regiment made him feel as though he was celebrating Diwali with his own family. He observed that the true joy of festivals lies in being with loved ones and that soldiers were an integral part of the nation's extended family.
He said that staying away from their homes and families during festivals to protect the country was an extraordinary example of duty and patriotism. While citizens celebrate Diwali with their families, soldiers remain vigilant at the borders, taking responsibility for their safety and happiness.
"The lamps that illuminate our homes are also a reflection of the sacrifices made by our soldiers and the dedication of their families," he said.
Chief Minister recalls his military family background
Sharing memories of his family, Dhami said he was born into a military family. The values of patriotism, discipline and commitment to duty instilled in him by his father, who served in the Army, remained among the most valuable lessons of his life.
He recalled that his father often narrated stories of the bravery of soldiers belonging to the Garhwal Regiment. He particularly remembered the accounts of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of Amar Shaheed Jaswant Singh Rawat, who was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.
Rawat's bravery at the Nuranang front during the 1962 India-China war remains a glorious chapter in Indian military history, the Chief Minister said.
Dhami added that being among the soldiers of the same illustrious regiment brought back memories of his father's stories. He described the occasion as both a matter of pride and an emotional experience.
The Chief Minister paid tribute to Amar Shaheed Jaswant Singh Rawat and all soldiers who had made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the motherland.
He said the history of the Garhwal Regiment was a saga of extraordinary courage, discipline, patriotism and sacrifice. From the First and Second World Wars to various conflicts and military operations after Independence, its soldiers had consistently demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment to duty.
Uttarakhand, he added, had always been a land that produced brave sons for whom the nation came first and duty remained paramount.
India’s military strength being strengthened: Dhami
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's military strength and strategic capabilities were continuously being strengthened.
He cited the surgical strikes, air strikes and Operation Sindoor as demonstrations of India's clear message that there would be no compromise on national security.
He said the government was promoting self-reliance in the defence sector, modernisation of the armed forces and the manufacture of indigenous defence equipment.
The expansion of roads, bridges, tunnels and modern communication facilities in border areas had also strengthened military mobility and communication systems, he added.
Dhami said a strong and self-reliant defence system would play a crucial role in building a developed India.
Welfare of soldiers and their families a top priority
The Chief Minister said the respect, welfare and well-being of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families remained among the state government's highest priorities.
As part of these efforts, the ex-gratia assistance provided to the dependants of soldiers who die in the line of duty had been increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.
The state government had also provided government employment to several dependants under the provision for offering a government job to one member of the family of a martyred soldier. The deadline for submitting applications under this scheme had been extended from two years to five years.
Dhami further said that construction of the proposed Sainik Dham in Dehradun was almost complete. The memorial would serve as a symbol of the courage, sacrifice and valour of soldiers who had laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
He reiterated that the state government was committed to extending every possible support to military families and addressing their concerns with sensitivity.
Soldiers protect the happiness and security of the nation
The Chief Minister said soldiers were not merely guardians of the country's borders but also protectors of the safe lives and happiness of millions of citizens.
He said the entire nation remained grateful for their courage, valour and dedication. Dhami also paid tribute to the families of soldiers and wished them happiness, prosperity and good health.
Among those present at the event were Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Anand Swaroop, Inspector General of Police, Garhwal Range, Rajiv Swaroop, Deputy General Officer Commanding of Uttarakhand Sub Area Brigadier R.S. Thapa, Colonel Pratul Thapliyal, Lieutenant Colonel Ravi Mohan Bisht, Lieutenant Colonel Mohit Joshi, Lieutenant Colonel S.S. Siddiqui, Major K.D. Singh and Subedar Major Raghuvir Singh Bhandari, along with other military officers and personnel.
