Rajnath Singh celebrates Holi with soldiers in Leh

Defense Minister smeared tilak with word ‘Gulal’ on soldier’s forehead

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Defense Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Holi with Army soldiers in Leh on Sunday and praised them for protecting the country from its enemies in the face of extreme weather conditions.

Singh had planned to visit Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, but canceled his visit due to bad weather. The minister was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande.

Defense minister applies tilak’Gulal On the soldier’s forehead.

Addressing the soldiers after celebrating the Festival of Colors, Singh said Ladakh was the capital of national courage.

It was a pleasure to celebrate Holi with the soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces in Leh, Ladakh. pic.twitter.com/lgff7UXxhA

— Rajnath Singh (Modi’s family) (@rajnathsingh) March 24, 2024

“Just like our national capital is in Delhi, our economic capital is Mumbai, our technological capital is Bengaluru, Ladakh is also the courageous capital of India.

“When everyone wants to shelter in their homes due to extreme weather conditions, you stand up and protect the country from its enemies with unwavering willpower,” he said.

The minister said the country will always be grateful to the soldiers for their dedication and service.

“You are doing a sacred work. You are ready to fire on the enemy and put a bullet in your own chest. It is because of this that the people of the country can celebrate Holi peacefully,” he said.

“I feel that all of you are no less than patron saints to us while protecting us from our enemies,” he told the soldiers.

Mr. Singh reiterated the commitment of the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the welfare of the armed forces and their families.

“It is our responsibility to look after you, your children and your parents. Our government always serves as a national strength with the same passion that you work for this country,” he said.

Mr. Singh said he first visited Siachen when he took over as defense minister five years ago.

“Today, it was not possible to travel to Siachen due to bad weather. Therefore, I wish all the soldiers deployed there a happy Holi,” he said, adding that playing Holi with Jawan was one of his favorite moments. One of those happy moments.

“We all know that our country has a tradition that whenever there is an auspicious day, we will worship our beloved God first. Even if we celebrate festivals, we must first offer sacrifices to God.

“The first light of Diwali, the first color of Holi, all this should be in the name of our protectors, our soldiers. The festival should start with the peaks of Siachen and Kargil, the Rajah Celebrating on the sandy plains of Stan State with naval personnel aboard a submarine deep in the Indian Ocean,” the Defense Minister said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)