Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday celebrated Holi with soldiers in Leh.  He could not visit Siachen glacier to celebrate the festival with troops due to adverse weather conditions there and promised to visit them soon and extended Holi greetings on the phone.

Accompanied by Army chief General Manoj Pande and Fire and Fury Corps chief Lt General Rashim Bali, Rajnath celebrated Holi with the troops in Leh.

Addressing them, the defence minister commended their valour, determination and sacrifice as they serve in harsh terrain and inclement weather conditions to protect the motherland. The positive commitment of the soldiers posted in high altitudes is much stronger than minus temperatures, he said. He termed Ladakh as 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.

“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 that 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 the future generations,” Rajnath said.

The defence minister asserted 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 in the submarines located in the deep seas should become an integral part of our culture,” he said.

On the occasion, Rajnath also laid a wreath at the War Memorial, Leh as a mark of solemn tribute to the brave hearts who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.

Later, he spoke with the soldiers posted in the world’s highest battlefield Siachen over phone and extended the Holi greetings. He told them that he will soon visit Siachen and interact with them.