BSF is also first 'wall' of defence: Rajnath Singh

Asserting that a person is recognized not by his position but with the work he has done, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the Border Security Force (BSF) is not only a first line of defence but also a first 'wall' of defence.

Singh, who was addressing the 13th BSF Investiture Ceremony here, said that forces get the sense of sacrifice when they have sense of National pride.

"BSF is one such force where the soldiers feel the Border Outpost is a home away from home," he added.

The Home Minister said that there is a need to improve the infrastructure facilities at the Borders and the Government is putting efforts in this regard.

"The government is considering taking up improving facilities like fencing, floodlighting in the border areas," he added.

Singh said that he gets emotional when he meet the family members of soldiers, who lost their lives while delivering their duties in paramilitary forces.

On this occasion, the Home Minister decorated five BSF men with police medals for gallantry, and 25 BSF officers and men with police medals for meritorious service.

The BSF Investiture Ceremony is celebrated on May 22 every year in remembrance of its founding father Khusro Faramurz Rustamji (K F Rustamji) who was born on this day in the year 1916.

BSF Director General D.K. Pathak, Directors General of other paramilitary forces, senior officials and retired officials also attended the programme.