Raksha Mantri celebrates Deepawali with troops in forward areas of Sikkim

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh celebrated Deepawali with the soldiers of the Trishakti Corps (33 Corps) deployed in the forward areas of Sikkim, on November 8, 2026. He was accompanied by the Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command Lt Gen VMB Krishnan; General Officer Commanding, 33 Corps Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann, and other senior officers of the Indian Army.

Interacting with the soldiers at Sherathang, Shri Rajnath Singh described them as the brightest lights of Diwali, stating that their dedication and vigilance at the borders provide the entire nation with a sense of security. “Like a lamp which dispels darkness without seeking attention, soldiers perform their duties silently, ensuring that citizens can celebrate festivals with peace and security,” he said.

Raksha Mantri also paid homage at the Sherathang War Memorial to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the Nation. He also visited Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial, paying his respects to the revered soldier whose legacy continues to hold a special place in the military-civil traditions of the region.

Highlighting the significance of the Sherathang War Memorial, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that such monuments do more than commemorate past events and sacrifices; they shape collective memory and awaken national consciousness & pride. He stated that the soldiers honoured at the Memorial belonged to different parts of the country, including Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Assam. He added that these bravehearts laid down their lives to protect the people, irrespective of their region, language or community. This spirit of unity and selfless service, he said, is the very soul and ethos of India, where every citizen considers fellow Indians as members of one family. (UPDATED ON 8TH NOVEMBER 2026)