India Celebrates Nathula Vijay Diwas with Grand Ceremony at Nathula Pass
On Thursday, a vibrant ceremony lit up the Nathula Pass in Sikkim to mark Nathula Vijay Diwas. This special day honors the Indian Army’s bold victory against Chinese forces during the intense 1967 clashes at Nathula and Cho La. The event brought together leaders, veterans, and locals to remember the heroes who shaped this key moment in India’s military history.
Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur joined as the chief guest, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Gnathang-Machong MLA Pamin Lepcha, and top officials. The day kicked off with a moving wreath-laying at the Sherathang War Memorial, where everyone paid respects to the brave martyrs by lighting the eternal flame.
Adding a personal touch, Colonel (Retd) Ranvijay Singh—son of the legendary Lieutenant General Sagat Singh, who led Indian troops in the 1967 battle—attended with his family. Major General M.S. Rathore, head of the 17 Mountain Division, and guests from Rajasthan also graced the occasion.
In a highlight moment, Governor Mathur unveiled a statue of Lieutenant General Sagat Singh at Nathula. He praised the general’s sharp leadership and courage that turned the tide in the battle. "Nathula Vijay Diwas stands as a shining chapter in India’s military story," Mathur said in his speech. "It’s an honor to be here, especially since this hero came from my home state of Rajasthan."
Mathur also gave a shoutout to the Sikkim government for renaming the event from ‘Nathula Diwas’ to ‘Nathula Vijay Diwas.’ He called it a perfect way to celebrate the soldiers’ sacrifices and boost national pride.
Chief Minister Tamang echoed the sentiment, saluting the fallen heroes. "This day fills us with pride," he shared. "I bow to our fearless soldiers who protected our nation in the toughest conditions—their dedication keeps us safe."
Former Rajasthan Minister Rajendra Singh Rathore spoke too, offering heartfelt tributes to the martyrs. The 17 Mountain Division of the Indian Army recognized the family of Lieutenant General Sagat Singh, wrapping up the main events with a friendly chat between soldiers and local folks.
The celebrations extended to a visit to the famous Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple. Governor Mathur, Chief Minister Tamang, and other dignitaries offered prayers at this beloved spot, adding a spiritual note to the day.
For context, Nathula Vijay Diwas recalls the 1967 Nathula and Cho La clashes, where Indian forces stood firm against Chinese advances. They pushed back the aggression and dealt heavy blows, proving India’s strong defense in Sikkim. These battles remain a source of inspiration for the Indian Army and the nation, highlighting unbreakable resolve on the border.
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