"As the nation is moving forward with a clear and firm policy on issues related to its sovereignty, personalities such as Late Lt General Srinivas Kumar Sinha are an inspiration to the Government," said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a video message during a memorial lecture organised to commemorate the birth centenary of Lt General Sinha, a distinguished officer of the Indian Army who later served as the Ambassador to Nepal as well as Governor of Assam and Jammu & Kashmir. Defence Minister paid glowing tributes to Lt General Sinha, commending his unwavering loyalty and dedication towards the nation. Lt General Sinha was a great soldier, diplomat and executive head of a state who always placed the nation above everything else, he said.

Rajnath Singh recalled the time when Lt General Sinha, who was born in 1926, represented the country in challenging circumstances on the Burma front during the Second World War, and in 1947, when he played a crucial role in coordinating the first airlift of the Indian Army to Srinagar during the advancement of the Pakistan-backed forces towards Kashmir. Also commending Lt General Sinha's professionalism and outstanding performance at both Indian & British Staff Colleges, Defence Minister described him as a brave officer of exceptional intellect.

Defence Minister appreciated Lt General Sinha for striving to provide the Indian Army with modern thinking and institutional strength during his appointments as Director of Military Intelligence, Adjutant General, and in various command positions. "His contributions continued after his retirement. As India's Ambassador to Nepal, he strengthened our relations. As the Governor of Assam and Jammu & Kashmir, he worked for security and development," he added, urging the people to learn from Lt General Sinha's ideals if India aspires to become a secure, self-reliant and prosperous nation.

In his address, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan described Lt General Sinha as a Soldier-Statesman, Scholar Warrior and a man of character. Urging the Armed Forces personnel to draw lessons from the officer's tenures in both civil and military space, the CDS said "The senior leadership must build a culture where professional military education, debate and integrity are as valued as gallantry. The middle-level officers must invest in their mind as fiercely as they train their body. The young officers and other ranks must train hard, value discipline; but cultivate reflection; lead with firmness, but also with empathy; and remember that courage lies not only in battle, but in moral clarity. The veterans and media must help safeguard the credibility of the Armed Forces by celebrating not only victories in war, but also professional restraint, ethics and quiet efforts towards nation building during peace."

On the increasingly complex warfare, spanning cyber, space, information, and cognitive domain, General Anil Chauhan underscored the importance of soldier-scholars who can think and analyse. He called upon the soldiers to strive and successfully combine Lt General Sinha's courage in uniform, his curiosity of mind, and his constant upholding of the Constitution. Only then, the CDS said, the Indian soldier will not only protect the border and the people; but will help shape India's destiny.

Three former Chiefs of the Army Staff - General N.C. Vij, General Deepak Kapoor and General Dalbir Singh - were present on the occasion, along with the Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt General P.P. Singh. Around 300 serving and retired personnel, as well as family members of Lt General Sinha attended the function.