In a heartfelt address to the Indian Army personnel posted in Udampur, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised on Friday and stressed the essence of the long and the funded tradition ‘Bada Khan’ and described it as a symbol of unity and camel within the armed forces.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said, “The tradition of big Khan in the armed forces has been going on for years. It is ‘Yatsava’ (a festival of unity).
He emphasized that Bada Khan is much higher than food – it is a reminder that the Indian Army is a family, not with blood but is bound by patriotism, dedication and sacrifice.
The Defense Minister said, “Bada Khan reminds us that we are not only soldiers, but a family – not tied to blood, but bound forever with patriotism, duty and sacrifice,” said the Defense Minister.
Talking to the army personnel, Singh said, “It is a great feeling to reach Udhampur. This place plays an important role in protecting our northern boundaries. It is a pleasure for me that I get an opportunity to meet you on this special occasion.”
In the gathering, he said, “When we are all together, many of our soldiers are still in their positions-in some snow-covered areas, some at high altitude, and some across the border keep a cautious watch on the enemy.”
He said, “Bada Khan is not just a tradition, but a tribute to every soldier – in which remotes are posted in inhuman areas. The incident is also dedicated to all the heroes. They cannot be physically present here, but they live in the hearts of every soldier.”
For the soldiers gathered for Bada Khan, Singh said, “Your life is a definition of courage. When the common citizens sleep, you wake up. When the country celebrates festivals, you remain stable on your feet. When it takes a nap, you stand bravely.
He said, “Big Khan is an opportunity that is beyond food. This tradition is not only about eating together. It is a reward for your hard work, and a reminder that the country has not forgotten you,” he said.
Singh said, “This is a relationship of emotions. With bravery in your uniform, there is also a sacrifice.”
He reflected on cool personal costs coming with uniform wearing.
“When you are not with your sons and daughters, every birthday is when you are in every Diwali, when instead of your home lamps, only light you are from the bunker – these moments of seclusion are part of your life. As the Defense Minister, as the Defense Minister, I thank you for your sacrifice,” he said.
The Defense Minister also spoke on Operation Sindoor and said, “Operation Sindoor has been stopped and not stopped, this is the message I want to tell to my neighbor.”
He said, “You are not only protecting India’s borders, but are protecting the dignity and respect of the country. It is due to your resolve that today India’s policy has changed. Today, we can answer Terresim in their language, Operation Sindoor is an example. The way our intelligence agencies and armed forces have destroyed terrorist camps in another part of the border.”
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Udampur, Jammu and Kashmir to participate in Bada Khan with the first army youth in the day. He was accompanied by Upendra Dwivedi, the head of the army staff.
On his arrival in Udampur, he met and interacted with army personnel. Bada Khan included the performance from the participants in the event. (AI)
