Op Sindoor sent a strong message that India will go to any extent to protect its citizens; Rajnath Singh

𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑫𝒆𝒍𝒉𝒊, August 9: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of India’s armed forces and sent a clear global message that India would go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens.

Addressing the ‘Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra’ blood donation camp at Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt, Singh said the operation showcased India’s resolve to eliminate terrorists and their handlers based in Pakistan and ensure that those who threatened the country faced severe consequences.

Drawing a parallel between Operation Sindoor and the blood donation campaign, Singh said that while the military operation represented courage, the mega blood donation drive reflected compassion and selfless service.

Wrestlers and athletes from Maharashtra participated in the campaign as donors, demonstrating solidarity with the armed forces and contributing to a noble humanitarian cause.

Singh expressed gratitude to the donors and said the blood collected during the campaign would help maintain a reliable reserve for soldiers and their families in times of need. Describing blood donation as both “Jivandan” and “Mahadan,” he noted that despite major advances in medical science, there is still no artificial substitute for human blood.

He urged citizens, particularly the youth, to make voluntary blood donation a regular practice and said every donor and recipient contributes to the service of the nation in their own way.

Referring to India’s vision for 2047, Singh said the goal should extend beyond becoming a developed economy to building a compassionate society where people are healthy and safe, and vital resources such as blood are readily available during emergencies.

The Defence Minister also called upon the youth to prioritise physical fitness, saying healthy and fit individuals are better equipped to contribute to society and take up humanitarian causes such as blood donation. He highlighted initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India, through which the government is encouraging young people to make fitness a way of life.

Highlighting Maharashtra’s legacy of valour and compassion, Singh said the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continue to inspire generations. He said the true purpose of physical strength is to protect others and safeguard the nation, adding that the contribution of Maharashtra’s athletes and wrestlers 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, Member of Parliament Srikant 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, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt Commandant Maj Gen Vishal Chaudhary and other senior military and civil officials.

For the Armed Forces Medical Services, maintaining adequate blood reserves is particularly important as military hospitals cater not only to routine healthcare but also to operational, trauma and emergency requirements.

The participation of voluntary donors at the camp reaffirmed the ethos of “Service Before Self” and highlighted the vital role citizens can play in saving lives through regular voluntary blood donation.