New Delhi | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that inspirational personalities such as Late Lieutenant General Srinivas Kumar Sinha continue to guide the government in pursuing a clear and firm policy on issues related to India’s sovereignty.
In a video message delivered at a memorial lecture marking the birth centenary of Lt Gen S.K. Sinha, the Defence Minister paid rich tributes to the distinguished Army officer, diplomat, and administrator, describing him as a soldier-statesman who always placed the nation above all else.
“Lt Gen Sinha’s unwavering loyalty, integrity, and dedication to national service remain a source of inspiration as India moves forward with clarity and resolve on matters of sovereignty,” the Defence Minister said.
Recalling Lt Gen Sinha’s illustrious career, Rajnath Singh highlighted his role during the Second World War on the Burma front and his crucial contribution in 1947, when he helped coordinate the first airlift of Indian Army troops to Srinagar as Pakistan-backed forces advanced towards Kashmir. He also praised Lt Gen Sinha’s exceptional professionalism and academic excellence at both Indian and British Staff Colleges, calling him a brave officer of rare intellect.
The Defence Minister noted that Lt Gen Sinha played a key role in strengthening the Indian Army’s institutional framework and modern outlook during his tenures as Director of Military Intelligence, Adjutant General, and in several command appointments. “His service to the nation did not end with his retirement from the Army. As India’s Ambassador to Nepal, he strengthened bilateral relations, and as Governor of Assam and Jammu & Kashmir, he worked tirelessly for security and development,” he said.
Rajnath Singh urged citizens to draw inspiration from Lt Gen Sinha’s ideals, stressing that such values are essential for India’s journey towards becoming a secure, self-reliant, and prosperous nation.
Addressing the gathering, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan described Lt Gen Sinha as a soldier-statesman, scholar-warrior, and a man of strong character. He called upon personnel across the Armed Forces to learn from Lt Gen Sinha’s distinguished service in both military and civil roles.
“The senior leadership must foster a culture where professional military education, debate, and integrity are valued as much as gallantry,” Gen Chauhan said. He urged middle-ranking officers to invest in intellectual development alongside physical training, and encouraged young officers to lead with discipline, empathy, and moral clarity. He also emphasised the role of veterans and the media in upholding the credibility of the Armed Forces by recognising ethical conduct and nation-building efforts during peacetime.
Highlighting the evolving nature of modern warfare—spanning cyber, space, information, and cognitive domains—the CDS underscored the growing importance of soldier-scholars capable of critical thinking and analysis. He called on personnel to combine Lt Gen Sinha’s courage, intellectual curiosity, and steadfast commitment to constitutional values.
“Only then will the Indian soldier not just protect the nation’s borders and people, but also help shape India’s destiny,” Gen Chauhan said.
The event was attended by former Chiefs of the Army Staff Gen N.C. Vij, Gen Deepak Kapoor, and Gen Dalbir Singh, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen P.P. Singh, along with around 300 serving and retired personnel and members of Lt Gen Sinha’s family.
