Watch: Rajnath Singh performs 'Shastra Puja' at military station on Vijayadashami

New Delhi, Oct 05: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday performed Shastra Puja at Auli Military Station in Chamoli, Uttarakhand on the occasion of Vijayadashami, the day when worshipping the weapons is a ritual across the country.

In a video tweeted by ANI, one can see that the defence minister was performing rituals amid chants of mantras by pandits. The defence officials were also present.

Following the puja, Rajnath Singh addressed the soldiers and reaffirmed, "The entire nation has pride and faith in the capabilities of our Jawans, and their contribution towards safeguarding the country."

The defence minister also hailed soldiers for their bravery and courage during the conflict in Galwan with the PLA. He said, "India believes in the principle "the whole world is one family" but gives a befitting response if any outsider casts an evil eye," said a statement issued by the ministry of defence.

The statement also added, "Because of such bravery the whole world acknowledged India's growing stature and, India emerged as one of the key decision makers on all issues of international importance.".

The soldiers also sang patriotic songs on the occasion.

On the occasion, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, GOC-in-C Surya Command Lt. Gen. Yogendra Dimri, senior officials and jawans of Armed forces and ITBP were present.