NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday underlined the growing need for mental resilience and spiritual strength among Indian soldiers to meet the complexities of modern warfare.
Addressing a gathering at the Brahma Kumaris Headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, the Defence Minister emphasized that national defence today extends beyond physical combat and into cyber, psychological, and informational domains.
“To deal with the challenges emerging from the evolving nature of warfare, our soldiers must not only excel in combat skills but also be proficient in mental stability and spiritual empowerment,” Singh stated, addressing members of the Brahma Kumaris and defence personnel present at the event.
New Era of Warfare Demands New Tools
Highlighting the hybrid nature of present-day conflicts, Rajnath Singh noted that battlefields are no longer confined to geographical borders. “Wars are now being fought on cyber fronts, in space, through psychological manipulation and information warfare. Soldiers need more than weapons—they need inner strength, enlightened consciousness, and emotional balance,” he said.
The Minister stressed that physical strength remains a cornerstone of military service, but without mental toughness, soldiers cannot overcome prolonged stress and uncertainty. “An energy born out of a strong inner self allows soldiers to brave the toughest conditions,” he remarked.
MoD Signs MoU to Boost Mental Health of Ex-Servicemen
In a key development at the event, the Ministry of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Security Services Wing (SSW) of the Brahma Kumaris, under the Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation. The MoU aims to improve the mental well-being of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) beneficiaries by introducing spiritual tools like meditation, yoga, and self-reflection practices to reduce stress and dependency on medication.
This partnership will provide structured spiritual counselling, workshops, and therapeutic practices—both online and offline—for ex-servicemen and their families.
“Self-Empowerment is the Seed, National Transformation is the Fruit”
Commenting on the theme of the campaign, “Self-Empowerment Through Inner Awakening,” the Defence Minister said it is both timely and necessary. “Self-transformation through Rajyoga meditation, positive thinking, and inner dialogue will provide mental, emotional, and spiritual strength to our brave soldiers,” Singh said.
“In an atmosphere of global uncertainty, India can show the world that the protection of both inner-self and the nation’s borders is not only possible but essential,” he added.
Spirituality as a Force Multiplier
Rajnath Singh praised the Brahma Kumaris’ long-standing efforts to support India’s security personnel through residential programmes, field initiatives, and targeted mental wellness campaigns. “Yoga and spirituality are India’s greatest contributions to the world—they offer unmatched tools to combat stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil,” he stated.
Singh described spiritually awakened personnel as “lighthouses” who guide the nation through turbulent times. “A mentally alert and emotionally strong soldier is a beacon of hope for the country,” he concluded.
The event witnessed the presence of senior defence officials, spiritual leaders, and former servicemen, underlining the growing convergence between national defence strategies and holistic wellness practices in India.
