Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 7 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami Saturday celebrated Diwali with soldiers of the Garhwal Regiment at the Garhwal Greens Training Ground in Garhi Cantt, here, where he greeted jawans, distributed sweets and expressed gratitude for their courage, valour and dedication towards safeguarding the nation.
Interacting with the soldiers on this occasion, Dhami said that being among the brave jawans of the Garhwal Regiment feels like celebrating Diwali with his own family. He remarked that festivals are truly meaningful when celebrated with loved ones and described soldiers as an integral part of the nation’s family. The CM said that while people celebrate festivals at home, the country’s soldiers remain deployed on the borders to ensure the safety and security of citizens. He noted that the lamps lit in homes across the country are possible because of the sacrifices made by soldiers and the commitment shown by their families.
Sharing memories from his own upbringing in a military family, Dhami said he was born into a soldier’s household and inherited values of discipline, duty and service to the nation from his father. He recalled listening to stories of bravery associated with the Garhwal Regiment, particularly those of Mahavir Chakra awardee and martyr Jaswant Singh Rawat, whose courage during the 1962 India-China war at the Nuranang sector remains an inspiring chapter in India’s military history. He said being among the regiment’s soldiers has brought back those memories and made the occasion both emotional and proud for him.
Paying tribute to Jaswant Singh Rawat and all soldiers who laid down their lives in defence of the nation, Dhami said the history of the Garhwal Regiment is marked by exceptional bravery, discipline, patriotism and sacrifice.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s military strength and strategic capabilities have continued to grow through the modernisation of the armed forces, promotion of indigenous defence manufacturing and development of border infrastructure. He also reiterated that the welfare of serving and retired soldiers, as well as their families, remains a key priority of the state government. He noted that the ex-gratia assistance for the dependants of martyrs has been increased from Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 50 lakhs and highlighted the government’s commitment to providing employment opportunities and support to soldiers’ families. He added that the under-construction Sainya Dham in Dehradun is nearing completion and will stand as a tribute to the valour and sacrifice of the nation’s heroes.
Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Anand Swaroop, Garhwal Range Inspector General Rajiv Swaroop, Brigadier RS Thapa, Colonel Pratul Thapliyal, Lieutenant Colonel Ravi Mohan Bisht, Lieutenant Colonel Mohit Joshi, Lieutenant Colonel SS Siddiqui, Major KD Singh and Subedar Major Raghuveer Singh Bhandari were among those present.
