New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that India's commitment to peace and non-violence should not be mistaken for weakness.
Emphasising that safeguarding the country's security, sovereignty, and honour remains the government's foremost responsibility, Singh said India's culture of peace goes hand in hand with its resolve to defend national interests.
Singh was speaking at the "Veeroday" Rashtra Prahari samman ceremony at Delhi University.
"No one should make the mistake of considering the value of non-violence as our weakness. Non-violence and peace are our culture. But protecting the nation's security, sovereignty, and honor is our duty," he said.
Further, Singh emphasised the profound cultural and spiritual significance of the Jain tradition in India, highlighting government efforts to preserve its heritage.
"The day after tomorrow, meaning August 25, is also the birth anniversary of Veer Chand. I bow down in reverence, bowing my head to the memory of Veer Chand," he said.
The Defence Minister termed Jainism as the 'glory of Indian civilisation and culture'. He said that the Centre has retrieved over 20 revered stolen Tirthankara idols from various countries.
"Jain religion is the glory of India's civilisation, India's culture, and India's spiritual tradition. Jain religion is the glory of India's civilisation, India's culture, and India's spiritual tradition. Under the leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government has worked to preserve India's Jain tradition and heritage. In the past few years, more than 20 revered Tirthankara idols that were stolen at some point in time have been brought back to India from foreign countries," he said.
Further expressing gratitude to the monks, Singh emphasised that Jain philosophy says that a true saint is the one who has conquered anger, deceit, arrogance, and greed.
"Receiving the honour of the presence of Jain monks during 'Chaturmas' is a source of pride and spiritual bliss. Jain philosophy holds that a true 'Muni' (saint) is one who has conquered anger, arrogance, deceit, and greed. A land blessed by such sages can never fade into oblivion," he said.
Singh shared a reflection on the nature of military service. Citing a passage from the book 'Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye' by retired Army officer K.J.S. Dhillon, he said, "I thank you all for organising this 'Viroday' All-India Soldiers' Honour Ceremony. I once read in a book by a retired Army officer: "The Army is not merely a job; it is a labour of love. And in love, there are no mere challenges; there are epic tales." That book was 'Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye' by K.J.S. Dhillon," he remarked.
