Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said 'Sindoor' which symbolises feminine strength in the Indian culture and traditions has now become a symbol of India's valour.
“Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to the strength and valour of India’s Nari Shakti,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Mahila Sashaktikaran Mahasammelan here, an official statement said.
“India is a land of deep-rooted culture and traditions, where sindoor symbolises feminine strength,” emphasised Modi, mentioning that "even Lord Hanuman, immersed in devotion of Lord Ram, adorned himself with Sindoor, and it is offered in Shakti puja rituals. Sindoor has now become a symbol of India's valour.”
Referring to the attack in Pahalgam, PM Modi said that the terrorists not only shed the blood of Indians but also struck at the nation’s cultural ethos and attempted to divide society. Most significantly, they challenged India's Nari Shakti and this challenge proved fatal for the terrorists and their handlers.
“Operation Sindoor is India's largest and most successful counter-terrorism operation in history,” the PM emphasised, highlighting that Indian armed forces dismantled terrorist bases at locations where Pakistan’s forces had never anticipated action.
He remarked that Operation Sindoor has sent a clear message that proxy wars through terrorism will not be tolerated.
He said that India will not only eliminate threats within its territory but will also ensure that a heavy price is paid by those supporting terrorists, and added, “Every Indian now echoes the same sentiment - if you fire bullets, you will face artillery shells”.
“Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to the strength and valour of India’s Nari Shakti,” Modi asserted.
He highlighted the crucial role played by the Border Security Force (BSF) in this operation, noting that from Jammu to Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, a significant number of BSF women personnel were at the frontlines.
He commended their resolute response to cross-border firing and their active participation in command and control centres, as well as in eliminating enemy positions.
Modi said the world is witnessing the capability of India’s daughters in national defence. Over the past decade, the government has undertaken several measures to strengthen women's role in security forces.
“The doors of Sainik Schools have been opened for girls, marking a historic step. In 2014, only 25 percent of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets were female, whereas today, their participation is increasing towards 50 percent,” Modi said.
He lauded a landmark moment as the first batch of women cadets passed out from the National Defence Academy (NDA) yesterday. He emphasised that women are now serving at forward positions in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He also highlighted that women officers are showcasing their courage and leadership from fighter jets to the INS Vikrant warship, demonstrating their growing role in India’s defence forces.
Highlighting a recent demonstration of courage by the women of the Indian Navy, referencing the Navika Sagar Parikrama, Modi noted that two brave women officers completed a nearly 250-day maritime journey, circumnavigating the globe.
He remarked that their achievement is a testament to the ability of India’s daughters to conquer even the most formidable challenges.
He underscored their growing role in safeguarding the nation, whether in anti-Naxal operations or countering cross-border threats. From the land of Devi Ahilyabai, he once again saluted the strength and determination of India’s Nari Shakti.
He underscored the vision of women-led development is being placed at the core of the nation’s progress. He stressed that every major government initiative is centred around empowering mothers, sisters, and daughters.
While underscoring the government’s continuous efforts over the past 11 years to economically empower women, Modi said, “Before 2014, over 30 crore women did not have a bank account. The government facilitated the opening of Jan Dhan accounts for them, where funds from various schemes are now being directly transferred.”
Emphasising the government’s commitment to increasing women's participation in policy making, the Prime Minister highlighted the progressive steps taken over the past decade to achieve this goal. For the first time, India had a full-time woman Defence Minister and has a woman Finance Minister.
He further said that the representation of women from panchayats to Parliament has steadily increased, with 75 women currently serving as Members of Parliament. He also stressed the importance of further enhancing this participation, underscoring that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam embodies this vision.
