NEW DELHI – Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited the Manekshaw Centre today to inaugurate a special photo exhibition titled “A Decade of Silent Service to the Nation.” The event marks the 10th anniversary of Tiranga Mountain Rescue (TMR), India’s premier high-altitude rescue organization.
The exhibition showcases a decade of perilous missions, capturing the resilience of volunteers who operate in India’s most unforgiving mountainous terrains to save soldiers and civilians alike.
A Tribute to the “Silent Saviours”
Addressing a gathering that included Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Raksha Mantri lauded TMR as a vital pillar of national resilience.
“Our soldiers endure unmatched hardships while guarding the frontiers. At times, even nature itself stands against them. In such circumstances, it is these mountain rescuers who risk their own lives to bring them to safety. Their work reflects the true spirit of India.” — Shri Rajnath Singh
The Minister emphasized that TMR does more than just save lives; it indirectly strengthens border stability and boosts the morale of the local communities living in remote, high-altitude regions.
Legacy of Valor: Major Missions
Founded by Shri Hemant Sachdev, TMR has transitioned from a niche volunteer group to a critical component of India’s disaster response framework. Their 10-year journey includes several high-stakes operations:
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Disaster Response: Led efforts during the Sikkim Glacial Lake Outburst (2023), Wayanad floods (2024), and the Dharali flash floods (2025).
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Historic Recoveries: Played a crucial role in retrieving remains from the legendary 1968 AN-12 air crash near Rohtang Pass.
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Border Support: Continuous recovery operations for BRO (Border Roads Organization) workers in Mana, Uttarakhand.
A Race Against Time
TMR Founder Hemant Sachdev described the exhibition as a tribute to the volunteers who face adversity head-on. He reiterated the organization’s commitment to its mission: “In the mountains, every rescue is a race against time.”
The event highlighted the unique public-private synergy in India’s defense ecosystem, where specialized volunteer organizations like TMR provide an indispensable layer of safety for the bravehearts guarding the nation’s peaks.
