New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Sunday that Operation Sindoor, conducted in May 2025, showcased the exceptional bravery of India’s armed forces and conveyed a global message that the nation will undertake any measure to protect its citizens.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Singh made these remarks while addressing an event at the Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment. He lauded the defence forces for successfully eliminating militants and their handlers based in Pakistan, thereby ensuring that those who threatened India faced severe repercussions.
The Defence Minister elaborated on Operation Sindoor during a blood donation camp, named ‘Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra’, held at the Base Hospital. He drew a parallel between the blood donation camp, which he described as a symbol of compassion, and Operation Sindoor, which he characterized as an act of courage. Singh highlighted that the operation also served to protect the ‘sindoor’ worn by women, emphasizing the broader implications of national security for cultural symbols.
The blood donation camp saw participation from approximately 1,000 wrestlers and athletes from Maharashtra, demonstrating a spirit of service and solidarity with the armed forces, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence. Singh expressed his gratitude to the donors, expressing confidence that the donated blood would form a crucial reserve for the needs of soldiers and their families.
Referring to blood donation as ‘jivandan’ and ‘mahadan’, Singh emphasized its enduring importance, noting that despite significant advancements in medical science, no artificial substitute for human blood has been developed. As human blood can only be produced by the human body and donated by one person to another, he asserted that blood donation remains one of the most noble forms of charity. He urged citizens, particularly the youth, to embrace blood donation as a cultural practice, underscoring that both donors and recipients contribute to nation-building by serving the country.
Looking ahead to India’s centenary of independence in 2047, Singh articulated a vision that extends beyond economic development to encompass a compassionate society where citizens are healthy, safe, and essential resources like blood are readily available during emergencies. The event was attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge) Pratap Rao Jadhav, Maharashtra Minister of Industries Uday Ravindra Samant, Member of Parliament Srikant Eknath Shinde, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Dhiraj Seth, and DG Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, along with other senior military and civilian officials.
For the Armed Forces Medical Services, maintaining sufficient blood reserves is of paramount importance, as military hospitals are equipped to handle routine healthcare needs as well as operational exigencies, trauma cases, and emergencies. The participation of nearly 500 voluntary donors at the camp underscored the ethos of ‘service before self’ and highlighted the vital role that every eligible citizen can play in saving lives through regular blood donation, the ministry concluded.
The Chenab Times News Desk