Good morning everyone,
It is an honor to stand before you today and speak on a day that holds immense pride and significance — Armed Forces Day. This day reminds us of the silent courage, unmatched commitment, and noble sacrifice of the brave men and women who serve our nation, often far from the spotlight, and often at great personal cost.
Armed Forces Day is celebrated to recognize and honor the Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel who stand as the shield of our country. Unlike specific service days like Army Day or Navy Day, this occasion salutes all military branches collectively. It is a day of gratitude, reflection, and national pride.
These are the individuals who patrol our borders in freezing temperatures and scorching deserts. They leave their families behind so we can live safely with ours. Their sacrifice ensures that our festivals are filled with joy, our streets remain peaceful, and our flag continues to fly high.
Let us not forget that the freedom we celebrate every Independence Day has been preserved and protected by the armed forces. Their service is not just during war but every single day — in peacekeeping, rescue missions, disaster relief, and guarding national interests.
The courage of our armed forces isn’t limited to the battlefield. We’ve seen their heroism during floods, earthquakes, and even in pandemic relief. Whether airlifting stranded citizens or setting up emergency hospitals, they are always the first to respond and the last to retreat.
As civilians, we may not fully grasp their daily challenges. Training in extreme conditions, adapting to rapid technological changes, and carrying out complex operations are routine for them. Yet, they do it with unwavering dedication and discipline.
The theme for this year’s Armed Forces Day focuses on “Service, Sacrifice, and Unity.” These three words capture the essence of military life. Service with honor, sacrifice without recognition, and unity beyond caste, religion, or language — that’s the spirit of our defense forces.
This unity reminds me of Buddha Purnima, celebrated by people of different cultures and regions, yet rooted in a common spiritual message — peace. Much like that, our armed forces, though coming from diverse backgrounds, serve with a single aim — national security and unity.
Let us also not forget the families of our soldiers. The parents who raise heroes. The spouses who carry the emotional burden. The children who grow up with pride and patience. Their strength and support make the soldier’s mission possible.
As a nation, what can we do to honor our armed forces beyond symbolic tributes?
Firstly, let us be responsible citizens. Let us respect the values they defend — unity, equality, and justice. Secondly, we must support initiatives for veteran welfare, mental health support, and reintegration into civilian life. And thirdly, we must ensure our youth are educated about the sacrifices made by our soldiers.
Our future depends not only on having strong armed forces but also on having a society that recognizes and values them. Schools should include defense awareness. Media should cover stories of heroism and sacrifice. And every citizen should feel a connection to the uniformed protectors of our democracy.
We also live in a time when warfare is changing. Cybersecurity, space defense, and drone warfare are part of modern defense strategies. This makes National Technology Day more relevant than ever, as science and innovation play a critical role in empowering our defense systems.
The future of our military depends on both bravery and brilliance — the ability to adapt, learn, and lead in changing times.
Let us take a moment today to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us pay tribute to the martyrs who didn’t return, whose names are etched in memorials, but whose spirit lives in every heartbeat of our nation.
As we end this speech, let’s not limit our gratitude to today. Every time we enjoy freedom, speak our mind, or sleep peacefully — let’s remember someone stands guard. Someone who doesn’t know us, but is willing to give their life for us.
That is the definition of true service. That is the spirit of the Indian Armed Forces.
Thank you, and Jai Hind.