Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday conducted a ceremonial "Shastra Puja" in the picturesque region of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh while celebrating the auspicious festival of Dussehra alongside the dedicated soldiers stationed in this strategically vital area near the border with China.
Accompanied by the Army Chief, General Manoj Pande, the fefence minister also carried out a comprehensive evaluation of India's military preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, applauding the troops for their steadfast commitment and remarkable courage in safeguarding the nation's borders.
In a heartfelt interaction with the soldiers, following visits to Bum-La and several other forward posts, Minister Singh emphasized the imperative need to fortify the country's security apparatus in light of the current global landscape. He reaffirmed that extensive measures are being taken to enhance the nation's military capabilities through the indigenous production of defense equipment.
Addressing the troops, he said, "No amount of appreciation is enough for the way you are guarding the border in difficult circumstances. I want to tell you that the people of the country are proud of you."
Rajnath Singh conveyed his profound gratitude to the soldiers for their unyielding spirit, unwavering commitment, and unparalleled courage exhibited while protecting the borders, even in the most challenging conditions. In addition to performing the Shastra Puja, a ritual that involves the worship of weapons, he drew a meaningful parallel between Dussehra, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, and the valorous deeds of the armed forces personnel, stating that their righteousness and dedication stand as a testament to the festival's ethos.
The defense minister underscored the significance of the armed forces in elevating India's global standing, affirming that their valor and unwavering commitment were among the pivotal factors that have propelled the nation into the league of the world's most influential countries. He acknowledged that India's economic achievements have played a pivotal role in its rising global prominence but also highlighted that without the effective safeguarding of the country's borders by the armed forces, such elevation would not have been possible.
The celebration of Dussehra with the soldiers, in a region of critical strategic importance adjacent to the LAC, takes place at a time when India and China have been embroiled in a protracted standoff in various friction points in eastern Ladakh for over three years. Singh's observance of "Shastra Puja" during Dussehra has become a longstanding tradition, which he has observed for several years, even during his tenure as the Union Home Minister in the previous NDA government.
The enduring face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in specific areas of eastern Ladakh persists, despite disengagement in certain regions following extensive diplomatic and military dialogues. India has consistently emphasized that normalized relations with China hinge on achieving peace in border areas. The Indian Army has significantly bolstered the deployment of troops and military assets along the extensive 3,500 km-long LAC, encompassing the Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors, in response to the prolonged eastern Ladakh standoff.
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