Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of our defence forces, who sent a global message that India will go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens while protecting the sindoor worn by our women, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday.
Making this assertion while addressing the ‘Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra’ blood donation camp at Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment, he commended the Indian forces for eliminating terrorists and their handlers based in Pakistan and ensuring that those who dared to cast an evil eye on India faced dire consequences. Drawing a parallel with Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra, Rajnath Singh asserted that while Operation Sindoor showcased courage, the mega blood donation camp represents compassion.
Approximately 1,000 wrestlers and athletes from Maharashtra were among the donors who participated in the camp, demonstrating the spirit of selfless service and solidarity with the Defence Forces.
Expressing gratitude to the donors, the defence minister expressed confidence that the blood donated today would serve as a credible reserve for needy soldiers and their families in the future. He described blood donation as jivandan and mahadan and stressing that despite remarkable advances in science and medicine, no artificial substitute for human blood has yet been developed. Since blood can only be produced by the human body and donated by one person to another, Rajnath Singh said, blood donation remains one of the noblest forms of charity.
He underlined that every blood donor and recipient is, in their own way, serving the nation. He urged the people, particularly the youth, to make blood donation a culture.
Calling upon the youth to prioritise fitness, the defence minister emphasised that a healthy and fit individual becomes a greater asset to society and is better equipped to undertake noble causes such as blood donation.
Highlighting Maharashtra’s enduring tradition of valour and compassion, Rajnath Singh said that the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continues to inspire generations.
He emphasised that the true purpose of physical strength lies in protecting others and safeguarding the nation, adding that the contribution of the athletes and wrestlers from the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would be remembered as a noble service to the nation.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde; Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge) Pratap Rao Jadhav; Minister of Industries, Government of Maharashtra Uday Ravindra Samant; Member of Parliament Dr Srikant Lata Eknath Shinde; Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth; DG Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin; Adjutant General Lt General VPS Kaushik; Commandant, Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment Major General Vishal Chaudhary and other senior military and civil dignitaries.
For AFMS, maintaining adequate blood reserves assumes particular significance as military hospitals cater to routine healthcare requirements as well as operational, trauma and emergency contingencies. The participation of nearly 500 voluntary donors reaffirmed the ethos of ‘Service Before Self’ and underscored the role that every eligible citizen can play in saving lives through regular voluntary blood donation.