Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoist the Indian Tricolour at his residence in the national capital on the occasion of Indias 77th Independence Day on Tuesday. Then, he headed to Red Fort ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis address and flag hoisting ceremony.Watch the video here:#WATCH | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoists the national flag at his residence in Delhi on the occasion of #IndependenceDay.#IndependenceDay2023 pic.twitter.com/qDKvYSiB9K— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2023Defence Minister Rajnath Singhs audio message to soldiersOn the eve of I-Day, the union minister extended his remarks in a message to soldiers via All India Radio and said that India has always been a peace-loving nation, but will not spare those with ill intention or hostility amid the border row with China and Pakistans support to cross border terrorism.He said that the government is making all efforts to equip the armed forces with the latest weaponry and training to meet future challenges.“We not only seek peace but also express our commitment to peace through our actions. But at the same time, we are also very clear that if anyone dares to look at us with ill intention or hostility, our forces will give a befitting reply,” he said.Singh briefs about role of soldierEmphasising the key role of soldiers to maintain Indias sovereignty, Rajnath Singh said, the nation stands with its gallant soldiers who protect the borders by putting their lives at stake without bothering for their comforts and facilities.“The armed forces can give their best only when they are provided with the best equipment and training. These steps boost the morale of the soldiers, help them overcome challenges and emerge victorious,” he said.Rajnath Singh hails PM Modi-led governmentFurther, the defence minister also hailed the government under PM Modis leadership, saying “Our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is leaving no stone unturned to provide the military with world-class equipment and training so that the country can overcome all future challenges.”In his audio address, Rajnath Singh noted that the new branches and trades are being created according to the new emerging needs.Gratitude to soldiers on Independence DayThe union minister of defence also expressed the nations gratitude for the soldiers.“On this occasion of 77th Independence Day, whether you are standing on the snowy peaks of Kargil where there is lack of oxygen…, whether you are in a submarine in the deep sea, whether you are standing in the hot desert of Thar, or whether you are standing in the middle of evergreen forests in the north-east of India, wherever you are, I want to say that you all reside in the hearts of 140 crore Indians,” Singh said.Highlighting the long-pending demand of the armed forces for the One Rank One Pension scheme, he said that the demand was fulfilled by the government as soon as it came to power in 2014.“The scheme has been revised this year and an amount of ₹8,413 crore has been paid to more than 17 lakh pensioners,” Defence Minister said.Defence Minister on women involvement in Indian ArmyMoreover, he said, “The Indian Army has inducted women officers into the artillery regiment for the first time this year. The commissioning of women officers in the artillery regiment is a great testimony to the steps being taken by our government towards gender equality in the Army.”“Our government has taken a historic step to get the talented daughters of the country admitted to Sainik Schools. Today, more than 1,600 girls are obtaining education in various Sainik Schools nationwide,” he added.While concluding his audio message, he said that “This would further increase the participation of brave daughters in the defence of the nation and they would achieve greater heights in the times to come.”
