Bhuj/New Delhi: On the occasion of Vijayadashami, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performed Shastra Puja at the Bhuj Military Station in Gujarat and lauded the courage of the Indian Armed Forces. He declared that Operation Sindoor had not only exposed the weaknesses of Pakistan’s air defence system but also proved that India can inflict decisive damage at a time, place, and manner of its choosing.
Warning Pakistan against any provocation, Singh asserted that if Islamabad dared to act in the Sir Creek sector, “the reply will be so strong that it will change both history and geography.” He reminded that in 1965 the Indian Army had reached Lahore and in 2025 Pakistan must remember that “the road to Karachi also passes through the Creek.”
Operation Sindoor and India’s Military Readiness
The Defence Minister hailed Operation Sindoor’s swift success, crediting it to the seamless jointness of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He clarified that the operation was aimed at countering terrorism, not provoking a wider conflict, and affirmed that all military objectives were achieved successfully.
Shastra Puja and Civilizational Philosophy
Rajnath Singh emphasised that Shastra Puja is more than a ritual—it reflects India’s civilizational ethos where farmers worship their plough, students revere their books, and soldiers honour their weapons. “The balance of Shaastra (knowledge) and Shastra (weapons) keeps our civilisation vibrant and invincible,” he said.
Atmanirbhar Bharat and Emerging Challenges
Highlighting India’s progress, Singh said the nation is becoming self-reliant in defence manufacturing and emerging as a global exporter. He also underlined that modern challenges are not limited to traditional warfare but now include terrorism, cyber warfare, and information warfare.
Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi
On Gandhi Jayanti, Singh paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi, describing him as a shining example of moral courage. “With the power of spirit alone, Gandhiji compelled the strongest empire of his time to bow down. Our soldiers possess both morale and weapons, and therefore no challenge can withstand their resolve,” he added
