Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh celebrated the festival of Holi with soldiers in Leh on March 24, 2024. Accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps Lt Gen Rashim Bali, he praised the soldiers’ bravery, determination, and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation amidst challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions.
In his address to the soldiers, the Raksha Mantri emphasized their pivotal role in defending the motherland, underscoring Ladakh’s significance as India’s bastion of courage and valour, akin to the importance of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in other domains.
Expressing gratitude to the soldiers for their unwavering vigilance, he highlighted the importance of celebrating festivals with those who protect the country, proposing a new tradition of starting festivities with soldiers a day in advance. He envisioned such celebrations encompassing diverse terrains, from the snowy peaks of Kargil to the scorching plains of Rajasthan and the depths of submarine deployments, as an integral part of national culture.
During the visit, Shri Rajnath Singh also paid homage at the War Memorial in Leh, honouring the supreme sacrifice of fallen heroes.
Despite adverse weather conditions disrupting his planned visit to Siachen, the Raksha Mantri connected with soldiers stationed at the world’s highest battlefield over the phone to convey his Holi greetings. He assured them of an upcoming visit to Siachen, reaffirming his commitment to interacting with troops firsthand.
While the original plan to celebrate Holi at Siachen had to be altered, the Raksha Mantri’s gesture of celebrating with soldiers in Leh exemplifies his solidarity with the armed forces and appreciation for their dedicated service.
