📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Defence
Defence
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Marks Diwali with IAF Personnel in West Bengal
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 08 Nov 2026, 06:13 AM
👁 17
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined Indian Air Force staff in West Bengal for a Diwali celebration, highlighting the armed forces' role in the festival.
New Delhi's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited an Indian Air Force (IAF) unit in West Bengal on the occasion of Diwali. The minister participated in a modest ceremony that included lighting diyas, exchanging greetings and acknowledging the personnel's dedication throughout the year.
During the event, Singh praised the IAF for its operational readiness and its contribution to national security, while also emphasizing the importance of cultural celebrations in fostering morale among the troops. He presented a small token of appreciation to the attending airmen and officers.
The gathering was attended by senior IAF officials and local dignitaries, who joined the minister in a brief cultural programme featuring traditional music and a short speech on the spirit of unity and service. The celebration underscored the government's commitment to recognizing the armed forces during major festivals.
No security incidents were reported, and the event concluded with the customary distribution of sweets among the personnel. The Diwali observance is part of a broader effort to maintain high morale across the defence services during the festive season.
During the event, Singh praised the IAF for its operational readiness and its contribution to national security, while also emphasizing the importance of cultural celebrations in fostering morale among the troops. He presented a small token of appreciation to the attending airmen and officers.
The gathering was attended by senior IAF officials and local dignitaries, who joined the minister in a brief cultural programme featuring traditional music and a short speech on the spirit of unity and service. The celebration underscored the government's commitment to recognizing the armed forces during major festivals.
No security incidents were reported, and the event concluded with the customary distribution of sweets among the personnel. The Diwali observance is part of a broader effort to maintain high morale across the defence services during the festive season.