Haridwar, Feb. 6 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday emphasised that protecting the nation's culture and civilisation is just as important as safeguarding its borders, highlighting cultural nationalism.

Addressing a gathering in Haridwar to unveil Swami Satyamitraanand's statue ceremony at the Saptrishi Ashram, Singh urged the protection of India's cultural identity and values, warning that weakened cultural roots can lead to disintegration.

He stated, "A nation is not truly secure unless its cultural foundations, its values, and its identity are secure. I stand before you also in the capacity of Defence Minister. It is generally believed that the responsibility of a Defence Minister is limited only to the security of the border...