New Delhi, Aug 9 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said Operation Sindoor sent a global message that India would go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens, while protecting the “sindoor” worn by the country’s women.
Addressing the ‘Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra’ blood donation camp at Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment, Singh said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the “unmatched valour” of the country’s armed forces, which eliminated terrorists and their handlers based in Pakistan.
“Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of our defence forces who sent a global message that India will go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens while protecting the sindoor worn by our women,” he said.
The defence minister also commended the armed forces for ensuring that those who dared to “cast an evil eye” on India faced dire consequences.
Drawing a parallel between Operation Sindoor and the blood donation campaign, Singh said that while the military operation showcased courage, the mega blood donation camp represented compassion.
Around 1,000 wrestlers and athletes from Maharashtra participated in the blood donation drive, demonstrating solidarity with the armed forces and the spirit of selfless service.
Expressing gratitude to the donors, Singh said the blood donated during the campaign would serve as a credible reserve for soldiers and their families in need.
He described blood donation as “Jivandan” and “Mahadan”, saying that despite advances in science and medicine, there is still no artificial substitute for human blood.
“Blood can only be produced by the human body and donated by one person to another,” he said, describing blood donation as one of the noblest forms of charity.
Singh said every blood donor and recipient was serving the nation in their own way and urged people, particularly the youth, to make blood donation a culture.
He said India’s vision for 2047 should not be restricted to becoming a developed economy but should also include building a compassionate society where people are healthy and safe and essential resources such as blood are readily available during emergencies.
The defence minister also called upon the youth to prioritise fitness, saying a healthy and fit individual becomes a greater asset to society and is better equipped to undertake noble causes such as blood donation.
He highlighted initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India, saying the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was encouraging citizens, particularly the youth, to adopt fitness as a way of life.
Highlighting Maharashtra’s tradition of valour and compassion, Singh said the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continued to inspire generations.
He said the true purpose of physical strength was to protect others and safeguard the nation, adding that the contribution of athletes and wrestlers from Maharashtra would be remembered as a noble service to the country.
The event was attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister of State for Ayush Pratap Rao Jadhav, Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Ravindra Samant, MP Srikant Lata Eknath Shinde, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, DG Armed Forces Medical Services Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Adjutant General Lt Gen VPS Kaushik and other senior military and civil officials.
The Armed Forces Medical Services attaches particular importance to maintaining adequate blood reserves as military hospitals cater to routine healthcare requirements as well as operational, trauma and emergency contingencies.
The participation of voluntary donors at the camp reaffirmed the ethos of “Service Before Self” and highlighted the role citizens can play in saving lives through regular voluntary blood donation.(NVI)
