NEW DELHI, AUGUST 09, 2026 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched courage of India’s armed forces and sent a clear message to the world that the country would go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Addressing an event at the Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment, Singh praised the armed forces for targeting terrorists and their handlers based in Pakistan and said those who dared to threaten India faced serious consequences.
🛡️ Operation Sindoor: A Message of Resolve
Singh recalled Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian armed forces in May 2025 following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
He said the operation demonstrated India’s determination to protect its citizens while safeguarding the dignity and honour symbolised by sindoor.
According to Singh, the operation showcased the courage, determination and operational capability of India’s armed forces.
🩸 ‘Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra’ Promotes Service
Singh was speaking at a mega blood donation initiative titled ‘Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra’, organised at the Base Hospital.
The Defence Minister drew a parallel between the blood donation campaign and Operation Sindoor, saying the former represents compassion and service, while the latter represented courage and national resolve.
Around 1,000 wrestlers and athletes from Maharashtra were among those participating in the blood donation initiative, reflecting solidarity with the armed forces and the spirit of selfless service.
The Defence Ministry said nearly 500 voluntary donors participated in the camp, reinforcing the ethos of “service before self.”
❤️ Blood Donation is ‘Jivandan’ and ‘Mahadan’
Expressing gratitude to the donors, Singh said the donated blood could serve as an important reserve for soldiers and their families requiring emergency medical assistance.
Calling blood donation “jivandan” and “mahadan,” he emphasised that despite major advances in medical science, there is still no artificial substitute for human blood.
Since blood can only be produced by the human body and donated from one person to another, Singh described voluntary blood donation as one of the noblest forms of charity.
🇮🇳 Youth Urged to Make Blood Donation a Culture
Singh said every blood donor and recipient contributes to the nation in their own way and particularly urged young people to make regular voluntary blood donation a part of their civic responsibility.
He said that when India celebrates 100 years of independence in 2047, the country’s vision should extend beyond becoming a developed economy.
The goal, he said, should also include building a compassionate society where people are healthy and safe and essential resources such as blood remain available when needed.
🪖 Strengthening Blood Reserves for Military Hospitals
Adequate blood reserves are particularly important for the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), whose hospitals handle routine medical care as well as operational injuries, trauma and emergency situations.
The blood donation campaign highlighted how civilians can contribute directly to saving lives and supporting military healthcare infrastructure through regular voluntary donations.
👥 Senior Dignitaries Attend Event
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 Eknath Shinde, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, DG Armed Forces Medical Services Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin and other senior military and civil officials.
The initiative combined two powerful messages — national security and humanitarian service — highlighting the role of both the armed forces and ordinary citizens in protecting and strengthening the nation.
