On October 1, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh attended the 'Barakhana' with soldiers in Bhuj, Gujarat on the eve of Vijayadashami. He urged soldiers to embrace new technologies, prioritize training, and prepare for every challenge. He emphasized that mental strength, updated knowledge, and quick adaptability are important in addition to weapons, to counter modern threats. He assured soldiers that the government is committed to their welfare, modernization of the Armed Forces, respect for veterans, and security of soldiers' families, stating "The well-being of our soldiers is non-negotiable". Singh also said India is moving swiftly towards self-reliance in defence under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and expressed confidence that India will soon be home to one of the finest militaries in the world.
Attendees also included Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, General Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Army Command, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth and the Corps Commander, 12 Corps, Lieutenant General Aditya Vikram Singh Rathee.
The information was posted on October 1, 2025 at 9:59 PM by PIB Delhi with Release ID: 2173966.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Defence: Indian government ministry responsible for national security and defence
Armed Forces: The military forces of India
Rajnath Singh: Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister) of India
Bhuj: City in Gujarat, India, where Raksha Mantri addressed soldiers
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri urges Soldiers to embrace new
technologies, prioritize training, and stay prepared for
every challenge
Shri Rajnath Singh attends ‘Barakhana’ with soldiers
in Bhuj on the eve of Vijayadashami
"In today’s world, the force that remains invincible is
the one that continuously learns & adapts to new
challenges"
"The well-being of our soldiers is non-negotiable"
"With the commitment of the Armed Forces, India will
soon be home to one of the finest militaries in the
world"
Posted On: 01 OCT 2025 9:59PM by PIB Delhi
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today joined the soldiers of the Armed Forces for the
traditional Barakhana in Bhuj, Gujarat, on the auspicious eve of Vijayadashami. Speaking on the
occasion, he highlighted the fast-changing nature of the world and the complex challenges
emerging day by day. "In this era of rapid change, the very nature of technology is constantly
evolving. What was considered modern technology a short while ago is quickly becoming outdated,”
said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.
He highlighted that while traditional threats remain, new challenges such as terrorism, cyber-attacks, drone
warfare, and information warfare have added multidimensional risks. “These cannot be countered by weapons
alone. Mental strength, updated knowledge, and quick adaptability are equally important,” he emphasised.
Extending his greetings on Vijayadashami, Raksha Mantri called it a festival that symbolises the victory of
good over evil, truth over falsehood, and righteousness over injustice. He expressed his privilege to celebrate
the occasion amidst soldiers in Bhuj, a land known for its courage and resilience.
Raksha Mantri urged the soldiers to constantly train, adapt to new technologies, and prepare for every
scenario. “Wars are not won by weapons alone, but by discipline, morale, and constant readiness. Embracenew technologies, make training an integral part of your routine, and prepare yourself for every situation. In
today’s world, the force that remains invincible is the one that continuously learns and adapts to new
challenges," he added.
He assured the soldiers that the Government is fully committed to their welfare, modernization of the Armed
Forces, respect for veterans, and security of soldiers’ families. “The well-being of our soldiers is non-
negotiable,” he reiterated.
Raksha Mantri asserted that, "The dream of a strong, self-reliant, and developed India rests on the shoulders
of our soldiers. It is through their dedication and sacrifice that this dream is being fulfilled every day."
Calling the 21st century the era of India, Shri Rajnath Singh said that under the leadership of the Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country is moving swiftly towards self-reliance in defence. He expressed
confidence that with the commitment of the Armed Forces, India will soon be home to one of the finest
militaries in the world.
Shri Rajnath Singh paid rich tributes to the land of Bhuj and Kutch, describing it not merely as a geographic
location but as an emotion and a saga of courage. Recalling the valour displayed during the 1971 war and the
1999 Kargil conflict, as well as the resilience shown in the aftermath of the 2001 earthquake, he said that Bhuj
exemplifies the spirit of the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes. “The soil of Kutch carries in its grains the
bravery and indomitable spirit of its people and soldiers,” he added.
The event was also attended by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, General Officer Commanding
in Chief, Southern Army Command, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth and the Corps Commander, 12 Corps,
Lieutenant General Aditya Vikram Singh Rathee.
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VK/SR/SS
(Release ID: 2173966)