Changed nature of warfare demands that India's soldiers are mentally tough, says Rajnath Singh

Our soldiers must excel in the skills of combat while being equally proficient in mental stability and spiritual empowerment in order to deal with challenges emanating from today’s constantly-evolving nature of warfare, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

Speaking at an event organised at the Brahma Kumaris Headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, Singh highlighted the changed nature of warfare involving cyber, space, information and psychological fronts, and said these necessitate that the soldiers need to be mentally strong. They need to protect the nation with not just weapons, but also strong personality and enlightened consciousness and awareness.

While physical strength is fundamental for a soldier, mental strength is equally vital, Singh said and added that prolonged stress, uncertainty and working in difficult conditions could affect the mental health of jawans. The Brahma Kumaris’ campaign to bolster the mental health of soldiers is a commendable step in that direction, he said.

“The theme of the campaign ‘Self-Empowerment - Through Inner Awakening’ is extremely interesting and relevant in today’s times. Self-transformation through meditation, yoga, positive thinking and self-dialogue will provide mental, emotional and spiritual strength to our brave soldiers. Self-transformation is the seed, national transformation is its fruit. In an atmosphere of global uncertainty, India can spread the message that protection of inner-self and borders is possible together,” he said.

An alert and strong security personnel become a lighthouse for the nation, which can face any storm with determination, he said.

Defence