Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Marks Diwali with Garhwal Rifles Soldiers in Dehradun

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami marked Diwali with soldiers of the Garhwal Rifles at the regiment’s training ground in Garhi Cantonment, Dehradun, where he joined a Diwali Milan programme and thanked military personnel for their service to the nation.

The event brought the Chief Minister face to face with soldiers and officers of the regiment in a festive setting, but the tone of the interaction remained rooted in the responsibilities of military life. Dhami exchanged greetings with the personnel present and praised the Indian Armed Forces for carrying out their duties even during festivals and other occasions when many troops remain away from home.

Speaking at the programme, Dhami said he was pleased to celebrate Diwali with the soldiers of the Garhwal Regiment and described the occasion as a memorable one. He extended Diwali wishes to the armed forces personnel present, with special mention of the Garhwal Rifles, and acknowledged their professionalism, discipline and commitment to national service.

He said members of the Armed Forces continue to discharge their responsibilities under difficult conditions, regardless of festivals, personal commitments or operational pressures. Dhami also said the opportunity to spend Diwali among soldiers was meaningful to him, given the sacrifices they make by remaining away from their families and homes in service of the country.

Dhami also highlighted the spirit of selfless service shown by Armed Forces personnel, saying it serves as an inspiration for citizens across the country. His remarks came against the backdrop of Uttarakhand’s longstanding association with the military, a connection that was reflected in the presence of the Garhwal Rifles, one of the Indian Army’s distinguished infantry regiments.

The regiment has a long military history and is known for courage, discipline and battlefield excellence. Over the years, it has produced many decorated soldiers and has taken part in several major military operations. The Diwali Milan programme at Garhi Cantonment therefore also served as a reminder of the regiment’s place within India’s wider defence tradition.

During the interaction, the Chief Minister also spoke about Sainya Dham, a memorial project being developed in Dehradun to honour the courage and sacrifices of soldiers from Uttarakhand. He said construction of the memorial had been completed and that it would be inaugurated soon.

According to Dhami, Sainya Dham will be dedicated to the people of Uttarakhand as well as to the country at large. He described it as a tribute to military personnel who have contributed to national defence and said the project is intended to preserve the legacy of those who laid down their lives in service of the nation.

Dhami later told the media that he welcomed the Centre’s reported decision to extend the engagement period of Agniveers by two additional years. He termed the reported move a Diwali gift for Agniveers and their families and said it would create more opportunities for young military personnel serving under the Agnipath scheme.

The Chief Minister also responded to political questions on Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s reported target of securing more than 65 seats in Uttarakhand. Dhami praised Shah’s organisational experience and said party workers would make every effort to achieve the stated electoral goal.

The programme also underlined the close relationship between Uttarakhand and the armed forces. The state is widely recognised for its military heritage, with generations of residents serving in the Army and other defence services. The celebration at Garhi Cantonment brought that tradition into focus through the presence of serving soldiers and the Chief Minister’s public recognition of their role.

Dhami reiterated his respect for the Armed Forces and said their example of duty and sacrifice continues to inspire the country. The event concluded with expressions of gratitude for military personnel and a renewed emphasis on the Uttarakhand government’s commitment to honouring the armed forces and preserving the state’s military legacy.