 Investiture Ceremony and Rustamji Memorial Lecture in New Delhi as the chief guest){kind=link}
MAY 23: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, attended the Border Security Force (BSF) Investiture Ceremony and Rustamji Memorial Lecture in New Delhi as the chief guest. The event was graced by dignitaries including the Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and Director General of the BSF.
In his address, Shri Amit Shah praised the BSF’s remarkable journey from its inception in 1965 to becoming the world’s largest and most prestigious border security force by 2025. He highlighted the dedication and patriotism of BSF personnel who operate under extreme conditions—whether scorching heat, freezing cold, dense forests, rugged mountains, or coastal areas—earning the force the reputation of the first line of defense. Due to its proven capability, BSF was entrusted with securing India’s most challenging borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Remembering Shri K.F. Rustamji, the first Director General of BSF, Shri Shah emphasized his pivotal role in establishing the force after the 1965 war to secure borders during peacetime. He honored the BSF’s bravery during the 1971 war, which contributed significantly to the creation of Bangladesh—a legacy that India and Bangladesh should never forget.
Shri Shah also acknowledged BSF’s critical role beyond border security, including internal security, disaster response, anti-terrorism, election security, and pandemic management. He praised the force’s versatility and commitment across all such challenges.
The Home Minister highlighted Operation Sindoor as a testament to the Indian armed forces’ bravery, precision, and restraint. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s firm political will, excellent intelligence inputs, and the armed forces’ lethal capabilities for the operation’s success. Operation Sindoor was launched following multiple terrorist attacks sponsored by Pakistan. India’s surgical strikes and airstrikes responded decisively, culminating in Operation Sindoor, which destroyed terrorist bases while avoiding civilian targets. This operation exposed the direct link between Pakistan and terrorism to the global community.
Shri Shah expressed pride in the BSF’s ability to stop Pakistani advances at the border and applauded their sacrifices, mentioning personnel who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor. He also noted the force’s technological innovations in securing challenging terrains and fighting narcotics and Naxalism.
Concluding, Shri Amit Shah reaffirmed the government and nation’s unwavering support for BSF personnel, honoring their bravery and dedication as vital to India’s security and sovereignty.