On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on Thursday, Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani visited Siachen to tie Rakhi to the soldiers.<br/><br/>In a unique gesture by the government, she became the first female union minister to visit Siachen.<br/><br/>Talking to soldiers she expressed gratitude to them and said the country is extremely proud of their supreme sacrifices. She thanked them for their diligent service to the nation.<br/><br/>Ms. Irani presented a canvas to the soldiers, carrying messages from people, all over the country. She said citizens enthusiastically participated in government's programme "Azadi Ke Rang" and sent messages to the soldiers.<br/><br/>Later talking to media, she said, it is an emotional moment for her as she is here to tie Rakhi to soldiers on behalf of all the sisters of the country.<br/><br/>At an altitude of 22000 ft Siachen is the highest battlefield in the world. It should be noted that in 2014 , Prime Minister visited Siachen to celebrate rakhi with the soldiers.<br/><br/>AIR Correspondent reports, the otherwise Cold Siachen base camp was dipped into the warmth of festivity, with the bright sunlight and Rakhi celebrations on Thursday.<br/><br/>It was a heart warming sight when the minister tied rakhis to the Soldiers and interacted with each one of them personally.<br/><br/>Many of the soldiers even got emotional and said it is for the first time that someone has expressed an affectionate concern towards them.<br/><br/>Expressing her gratitude Mrs. Irani said the citizens of the country are proud of the army which is selfless in service of the nation.<br/><br/>She also said it is amazing how diligently the soldiers are guarding the borders at such an ardous terrain where every breath is difficult.<br/><br/>Earlier, she laid a wreath at the War Memorial in Siachen .<br/><br/>The visit is a part of the celebrations to mark 70 years of Independence.<br/><br/>Prime Minister Narenda Modi on August the 9th Kick started the 15 day long celebrations, "70 saal Aazadi Yaad Karo Kurbani" programme by his visit to Bhabhra , the birth place of freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad.