Rajnath Singh spends Diwali with troops in Sikkim: soldiers are ‘the brightest lights of Diwali’

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated Diwali with soldiers of the Trishakti Corps (33 Corps) in the forward areas of Sikkim on 8 November, calling them "the brightest lights of Diwali".

He was accompanied by Army chief General Dhiraj Seth, Eastern Command chief Lt Gen VMB Krishnan and 33 Corps commander Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann. Singh met the troops at Sherathang.

What he told the soldiers

"Like a lamp which dispels darkness without seeking attention, soldiers perform their duties silently, ensuring that citizens can celebrate festivals with peace and security," Singh said. He praised their professionalism and morale in high-altitude conditions and acknowledged the sacrifices of those serving far from their families.

Singh said no matter how advanced technology becomes, it is of little use if a soldier lacks discipline and courage. He urged the troops to keep strengthening trust and goodwill between the Army and local communities around Sherathang.

Tributes at the memorials

Singh paid homage at the Sherathang War Memorial and visited the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial. He noted that the soldiers honoured at the Sherathang memorial came from Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Assam and other parts of the country.

He also said about 26,000 names of fallen soldiers are inscribed at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

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Source: official release by the Ministry of Defence, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (08 NOV 2026 3:08PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: Raksha Mantri celebrates Deepawali with troops in forward areas of Sikkim.