Lucknow: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that freedom and security enjoyed by Indians are the result of the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families and the nation is eternally indebted to them.Speaking at the Times Samman Awards event by TOI to honour military personnel and their families, Rajnath said he felt honoured to be part of an event that celebrated the valour and service of the armed forces.Praising TOI for recognising soldiers from across the country, Rajnath said honouring them is a matter of pride for the society.“I pay tribute to the unyielding courage that guards India’s borders, the firm self-respect that beats in the hearts of the armed forces, and the deep spirit of service that defines every soldier“The ability of Indians to live and breathe freely is possible only because of the sacrifices of soldiers and the support of their families,” said the minister.Addressing decorated soldiers and their families at the event, he said the honours are only a small expression of gratitude, as no award can truly measure their contribution to the nation.Quoting Rabindranath Tagore, he said true bravery lies not in wishing away suffering but in remaining steadfast during adversity, a quality, he added, was visible in every soldier and their family members.He recalled war heroes such as Major Somnath Sharma, Captain Vikram Batra, Abdul Hamid, and Subedar Major Yogendra Singh Yadav, describing their stories as a source of lasting inspiration for generations.The minister stressed soldiers embody the principle of ‘Service Before Self’ and that their unmatched sense of teamwork and unity should be adopted by the entire nation. He said national cohesion among India’s 140 crore citizens is essential for transforming India into a developed country.Rajnath highlighted the invisible but powerful role played by soldiers’ families, calling them an “invisible support system” that keeps troops mentally strong. He underlined the need for collective responsibility toward national security, urging citizens to remain disciplined, united, and vigilant against misinformation.Emphasising self-reliance in defence, Singh said India’s defence production and exports have grown significantly in recent years, strengthening both security and the economy. He concluded by urging youth to draw inspiration from the lives of brave soldiers and dedicate themselves to national service, stating that national security is not just the responsibility of the armed forces, but of every citizen.Rajnath praises TOI: Rajnath Singh praised TOI for its credibility built over decades and its wide reach across the country, saying its responsible journalism plays a vital role in shaping public trust.Min warns against sensational journalism: Rajnath said the media must understand that portraying sensitive national security issues irresponsibly, driven by sensationalism and TRP-focused content, can have dangerous consequences. He stressed that in such times, responsible journalism becomes essential. Singh added that he has never had any complaint against TOI, appreciating its language, tone, and narrative.BOX 2Rajnath Singh warns against sensational journalismRajnath said the media must understand that portraying sensitive national security issues irresponsibly, driven by sensationalism and TRP-focused content, can have dangerous consequences. He stressed that in such times, responsible journalism becomes essential. Singh added that he has never had any complaint against The Times of India, appreciating its language, tone, and narrative. He urged the media to ensure that its reporting strengthens social unity rather than promoting division and said the media must recognize its role as a nation builder while guiding public opinion with responsibility and integrity.
