Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami marked Diwali by spending time with soldiers of the Garhwal Rifles in Dehradun, joining a Diwali Milan programme at the Garhwal Rifles training ground in Garhi Cantonment. The event brought together the Chief Minister, soldiers and military officers in a festive setting that also underlined public appreciation for their service.
Interaction with soldiers at Garhi Cantonment
According to the programme details, Dhami exchanged greetings with personnel present at the venue and praised the Indian Armed Forces for remaining committed to national security even on festivals and other special occasions. He said he was happy to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers of the Garhwal Regiment and described the experience as memorable.
He also conveyed his Diwali wishes to military personnel, especially those from the Garhwal Rifles, and acknowledged their professionalism, discipline and devotion to duty. In his remarks, he noted that soldiers and officers continue to shoulder responsibilities in difficult circumstances, including during personal and festive periods when many remain far from their families.
Tribute to the Armed Forces
The Chief Minister highlighted the selfless spirit shown by service personnel and said it remains an inspiration for citizens across the country. The event, as described, focused on gratitude for the sacrifices made by soldiers while serving under demanding conditions.
The Garhwal Rifles is described in the source as one of the Indian Army’s distinguished infantry regiments, known for its military history, discipline and battlefield record. The regiment has also produced numerous decorated soldiers and has taken part in several major military operations.
The Diwali Milan programme also reflected Uttarakhand’s long association with the Armed Forces, with the state having a strong tradition of military service across generations.
Sainya Dham and military heritage
During the interaction, Dhami spoke about the upcoming inauguration of Sainya Dham, a memorial project dedicated to honouring the courage and sacrifices of soldiers from Uttarakhand. He said the construction had been completed and that the memorial would be inaugurated soon.
He stated that Sainya Dham would be dedicated to the people of Uttarakhand as well as the country, and that it would serve as a tribute to military personnel who have contributed to national defence. The source says the project has been developed in Dehradun to preserve the memory of soldiers who laid down their lives in service to the nation and to give future generations a place to learn about their sacrifice.
Remarks on Agniveers and political questions
Dhami also welcomed the Centre’s reported decision to extend the engagement period of Agniveers by an additional two years. He called it a Diwali gift for Agniveers and their families and said the move would create more opportunities for young military personnel. The source presents this as his reaction to the reported decision.
When asked about Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on the target of securing more than 65 seats in Uttarakhand, Dhami said Shah has extensive organisational experience and added that party workers would work with full commitment toward the stated electoral goal.
The programme ended with expressions of appreciation for military personnel and a reaffirmation of the Uttarakhand government’s stated commitment to honouring the Armed Forces and preserving the state’s military heritage.
