Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited Tezpur in Assam on October 23, 2023, before heading to Arunachal Pradesh to celebrate Dussehra with troops and perform Shastra Puja with them. Upon his arrival in Tezpur, the Raksha Mantri interacted with the troops during a Barakhana organized at Headquarters, 4 Corps. Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Command Lt Gen RP Kalita, GOC 4 Corps Lt Gen Manish Erry, and other senior officers were present during the event.
In his address, Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated the concept of Barakhana, highlighting that it brings together all ranks to eat together as members of the same family. He emphasized that, beyond their positions, they are a family and the protectors of their country, working together as one.
The Raksha Mantri described the Indian military as a true example of brotherhood and oneness, as soldiers from different states, religions, and backgrounds work and stay together in the same barracks and units. He commended the efforts of the Armed Forces and their families for their sacrifices in ensuring the safety of the motherland. He expressed the nation’s eternal gratitude to the brave soldiers.
Shri Rajnath Singh also acknowledged that the valor and commitment of Indian soldiers are recognized worldwide. He credited the strong and brave military as one of the main reasons for India’s growing stature on the international stage under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He expressed confidence that India will become one of the world’s top three economies by 2027.
The Raksha Mantri recalled his recent visit to Italy, where he paid tribute at the Montone Memorial (Perugia Province), dedicated to Naik Yaswant Ghadge and other Indian soldiers who fought in the Italian campaign during World War II. He also mentioned the contributions of Indian soldiers to peace and security worldwide through UN peacekeeping missions.