Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday joined Armed Forces personnel for the traditional Barakhana in Bhuj, Gujarat, marking the eve of Vijayadashami with soldiers. Addressing the gathering, he called on the Armed Forces to embrace emerging technologies, prioritise training, and remain prepared for every challenge in an era of rapidly evolving threats.
“The nature of technology is changing at a pace never seen before. What was considered modern yesterday becomes outdated today,” Singh said, underlining the shifting character of warfare.
The Defence Minister noted that while conventional security challenges persist, new threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, drone warfare, and information warfare are reshaping the battlefield. “These cannot be countered by weapons alone. Mental strength, updated knowledge, and quick adaptability are equally important,” he emphasised.
He urged soldiers to make training and technological adaptation central to their routines. “Wars are not won by weapons alone, but by discipline, morale, and constant readiness. In today’s world, the force that remains invincible is the one that continuously learns and adapts,” he said.
Extending greetings on Vijayadashami, Singh described the festival as a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and expressed his privilege in celebrating the occasion amidst troops in Bhuj – a region he called “a saga of courage and resilience.”
Reiterating the government’s commitment to the Armed Forces, Singh assured soldiers that their welfare, modernisation, and family security remain top priorities. “The well-being of our soldiers is non-negotiable,” he stated. He also reaffirmed respect for veterans and ongoing efforts to build a strong, self-reliant defence ecosystem.
Calling the 21st century the era of India, Singh said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the country is moving rapidly towards self-reliance in defence. “The dream of a strong, self-reliant, and developed India rests on the shoulders of our soldiers. With their dedication, India will soon be home to one of the finest militaries in the world,” he remarked.
Paying tribute to Bhuj and the Kutch region, Singh described the land as more than geography – “an emotion and a saga of courage.” He recalled the bravery shown during the 1971 war, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the resilience displayed after the 2001 earthquake, likening the region to a 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 attended by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Army Command, and Lieutenant General Aditya Vikram Singh Rathee, Corps Commander of 12 Corps.