Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said Indian forces delivered a decisive response to Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, stressing that “our soldiers eliminated terrorists not because of their religion, but because of their deeds.”
Speaking at an event in Jodhpur, Singh praised residents of border areas for standing firmly with the armed forces and administration during the operation launched to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Recounting the chain of events, Singh said that after the attack, he had spoken to the service chiefs to gauge preparedness. “The chiefs of all three services assured me in one voice—‘We are ready for any mission.’ This is India. The prime minister then issued the necessary orders,” he said. He added that the mission’s objectives were accomplished with precision as planned, with complete support from border communities.
Singh underlined India’s ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), noting that the country does not discriminate on the basis of caste or religion. “Terrorists chose their victims based on religion, but our forces acted only against their crimes,” he said.
Operation Sindoor, carried out in May, involved targeted strikes on terror infrastructure and operatives in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The mission was aimed at dismantling networks linked to the Pahalgam attack.
Turning to the education sector, Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ushering in significant reforms. He contrasted his own experience of studying in a village school—where the globe on the principal’s desk seemed like “a magical ball”—with today’s environment where children have access to vast knowledge online.
“Reforming education was never easy. Many commissions made recommendations, but true transformation came only in recent years,” he said, adding that today’s students can explore the entire world through apps. “This difference is India’s real strength and will take the nation to greater heights.”
Highlighting India’s ancient contributions, Singh said that while much of the world lived in caves, Indian sages wrote the Natya Shastra and doctors like Sushruta advanced medical knowledge. He also noted the early use of turmeric, neem, and ashwagandha, now recognised globally for their medicinal value.
Emphasising holistic development, the minister urged schools to foster both physical and spiritual growth. Quoting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said, “No one becomes great with a small mind. No one stands tall with a broken heart.” Expanding the mind, he added, brings greater happiness and ultimately leads to supreme bliss.
During the programme, Singh also inaugurated a sports academy in Jodhpur. Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other dignitaries attended the event.
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