The North News
Mount Abu, April 21
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday called for a deeper emphasis on mental stability and spiritual empowerment among soldiers, stating that future conflicts will be defined as much by inner resilience as by battlefield tactics. Speaking at an event hosted by the Brahma Kumaris at their Mount Abu headquarters, Singh said warfare today extends beyond the physical to the psychological, cyber and space domains. “To deal with challenges emanating from today’s constantly-evolving nature of warfare, our soldiers must excel in the skills of combat while being equally proficient in mental stability and spiritual empowerment,” he said.
Rajnath Singh underscored that while physical strength is fundamental for any soldier, it is mental strength that enables them to endure the extreme and often unpredictable demands of military service. “These challenges are overcome through an energy born out of a strong inner self,” he said, warning that prolonged stress and uncertainty can take a toll on a soldier’s well-being.
The event marked the launch of a mental wellness campaign by the Brahma Kumaris Security Services Wing, aimed at supporting India’s armed forces through meditation, self-dialogue, and emotional empowerment. Rajnath Singh described the campaign, themed ‘Self-Empowerment – Through Inner Awakening’, as both “interesting and relevant” in an era marked by geopolitical flux.
“Self-transformation is the seed, national transformation is its fruit,” he said, calling for a balance between spiritual introspection and national defence. “In an atmosphere of global uncertainty, India can spread the message that protection of inner self and borders is possible together,” he added.
He praised the Brahma Kumaris for their efforts in supporting the military community through a mix of residential programmes, outreach campaigns, and online tools tailored to security personnel. Rajnath Singh also highlighted the cultural legacy of yoga and spirituality as effective tools for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional upheaval.
“Aside from safeguarding the country, an alert and strong security personnel becomes a lighthouse for the nation, which can face any storm with determination,” he added.
The event also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, and the Brahma Kumaris’ Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation. The MoU aims to guide Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) beneficiaries towards better mental health while reducing their dependence on medication.
Rajnath Singh expressed hope that such initiatives would deepen India’s approach to security, blending physical preparedness with psychological and spiritual strength.
