New Delhi, Mar 24: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday termed Ladakh as India’’s capital of valour and bravery.
Celebrating the festival of colours, Holi, with soldiers in Leh, he said, “Ladakh is India’s capital of valour and bravery, just as Delhi is the national capital, Mumbai is the financial capital, and Bengaluru is the technology capital.”
He was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps Lt Gen Rashim Bali.
Addressing the soldiers, the Defence Minister commended their valour, determination, and sacrifice saying that they serve in harsh terrain and inclement weather conditions to protect the country.
“The positive commitment of the soldiers posted in high altitudes is much stronger than minus temperatures,” he said. “The entire country feels safe as our brave soldiers are protecting the borders. We are progressing and leading a happy life as our vigilant soldiers stand ready at the borders. Every citizen is proud of the armed forces as they live far away from their families so we celebrate Holi and other festivals with our families peacefully. The nation will forever be indebted to our soldiers, and their courage and sacrifices will keep inspiring future generations.”
Singh said that he decided to celebrate Holi with the soldiers a day before, as he believes that the festivals should first be celebrated by and with the protectors of the country.
He urged the chiefs of the three services to establish a new tradition of beginning the celebrations of the festivals with the soldiers a day before.
“Such celebrations with soldiers on the snowy peaks of Kargil, in the scorching plains of Rajasthan, and the submarines located in the deep seas should become an integral part of our culture,” he said.
The Defence Minister also laid a wreath at the War Memorial, Leh, as a mark of solemn tribute to the soldiers who were killed in the line of duty.
He also spoke with the soldiers posted in the world’s highest battlefield Siachen over the phone and extended Holi greetings.
Singh told them that he would soon visit Siachen and interact with them.
He was scheduled to visit Siachen and celebrate Holi with the troops there.
However, due to adverse weather conditions, there was a change in the programme and he celebrated the festival of colours with the soldiers in Leh.