Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani celebrated Rakhi with the soldiers at an altitude of 22,000 ft in Siachen. The visit is a part of the celebrations to mark 70 years of Independence. The 15 day celebrations were launched by Prime minister on 9th August by his visit to Bhabra, Madhya Pradesh, the birth place of Chandra Shekhar Azad.
Union Information and Broadcasting minister M Venkaiah Naidu said, the idea behind the grand celebration of the Independence Day is to develop a feeling in every person that the nation comes first and the individual is secondary. It also marks the 75 years of Quit India movement
The fortnight long mega celebrations includes the visit of ministers to different locations. Felicitation of freedom fighters and jawans who received gallantry awards, promotion of Khadi and sports meet are also a part of the celebrations. Women ministers Smriti Irani, Meneka Gandhi and Nirmala Sitharaman travelling to border areas to tie Rakhi to soldiers was also a part of the programme.
Textiles Minister Smriti Irani travelled to Siachen to celebrate Raksha Bandhan and became the first female union minister to visit Siachen, the highest battlefield in the world. Talking to soldiers she expressed gratitude to them and said the country is extremely proud of their supreme sacrifices. She thanked them for their diligent service to the nation.
Later talking to media, she said, it is an emotional moment for her as she is here to tie Rakhi to soldiers on behalf of all the sisters of the country.
Mrs. Irani carried home made sweets for the soldiers as a gift on Rakhi. She interacted with each one of them personally and said it is amazing how diligently the soldiers are guarding the borders at such an ardous terrain where every breath is difficult. Many of the soldiers even got emotional and said it is for the first time that someone has expressed an affectionate concern towards them.