Air Marshal AK Bharti on Monday addressed a press briefing on Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, and reiterated that the damages suffered by the Pakistan armed forces were its own doing and that India's retaliation was justified in wake of Pakistan's attacks on civilians.
At the onset of the press briefing, which Air Marshal Ghai addressed jointly with Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lt General Rajiv Ghai and Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) Vice Admiral AN Pramod, a video was played displaying India's actions against Pakistan terror.
Among other notable points, the video also featured a poem by Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar' titled 'Rashmirathi'. Following the briefing, a journalist asked the Director General of Air Operations if there was an underlying message that the forces were trying to send to its adversary through the poem.
Responding to the query, Air Marshal Bharti opted to quote a couplet from the Ramcharitmanas to convey the message. "Vinay na maanat jaladh jad gaye teen din beeti. Bole Ram sakop tab, bhay binu hoye na preeti."
The 'Lanka Kaand' couplet quoted by Air Marshal Bharti refers to the time when Lord Ram lost his temper after waiting three days for the ocean to give way to his army and him to cross over to Lanka where Ravan had held his wife, Goddess Sita, in captivity.
It roughly translates to: "The ocean, being dull-witted, did not accept our humble request, and three days have passed. Without fear, there can be no love.”
After reciting the couplet, all Air Marshal Bharti said was: "Samajhdaar ko ishara kaafi hai (a hint is enough for the wise)".
An interpretation of the same couplet suggests that fear is necessary to compel the obstinate', a likely reference to the Indian Army's strong response to the Pahalgam terror attack, whereby the Indian armed forces launched a military offensive and struck nine terrorist camps, killing over 100 terrorists on May 7.
Pakistan, taken aback, responded by attacking several Indian cities along the Line of Control and the International Border. However, all attacks were foiled by India's strong air defense systems.
In response to the escalation, India hit military and key air bases and military infrastructure in Pakistan's Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, forcing Pakistan to call for a ceasefire on May 10.
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