Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the valour of the Indian Armed Forces and sent a strong 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 Cantonment, on August 9, Singh said the operation showcased the determination of the armed forces to eliminate terrorists and their handlers based in Pakistan and ensure that those who threatened India faced serious consequences.
Drawing a parallel between Operation Sindoor and the blood donation campaign, the Defence Minister said while the military operation demonstrated courage, the mega blood donation drive represented compassion and selfless service.
Around 1,000 wrestlers and athletes from Maharashtra participated in the blood donation initiative, demonstrating solidarity with the armed forces. Singh expressed gratitude to the donors and said the blood collected during the campaign would serve as a reserve for soldiers and their families in times of need.
Describing blood donation as Jivandan and Mahadan, Singh said that despite advances in science and medicine, 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, he said, voluntary blood donation remains one of the noblest forms of service.
The Defence Minister said both blood donors and recipients contribute to the service of the nation in their own way. He called upon people, particularly the youth, to make voluntary blood donation a regular practice.
Referring to the vision for India in 2047, Singh said the country’s goal should extend beyond becoming a developed economy to building a compassionate society where people are healthy and safe and essential resources such as blood are readily available during emergencies.
Emphasising the importance of physical fitness, the Defence Minister said healthy and fit citizens are better equipped to contribute to society and undertake acts of service such as blood donation. He highlighted initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India for encouraging the youth to make fitness a way of life.
Singh also highlighted Maharashtra’s tradition of valour and compassion, saying the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continues to inspire generations. He said the true purpose of physical strength is to protect others and safeguard the nation, and appreciated the contribution of athletes and wrestlers from Maharashtra to the blood donation campaign.
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 Dr Srikant Lata Eknath 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, Commandant of Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment, Maj Gen Vishal Chaudhary, and other senior military and civil dignitaries.
For the Armed Forces Medical Services, maintaining adequate blood reserves is particularly important as military hospitals cater to routine healthcare requirements as well as operational, trauma and emergency contingencies.
Nearly 500 voluntary donors participated in the camp, reaffirming the ethos of ‘Service Before Self’ and highlighting the role of voluntary blood donation in saving lives.
