■ By Bhavana ‘Aparajita’
Shukla
BHOPAL
Operation Sindoor a triumphant mission in India’s history against terrorism. Maa Ahilya’s teachings will continue to take nation forward
GIVING a clear and strong message to Pakistan, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi reiterated the
warning to Pakistan saying that
any act of aggression would be
met with an even greater
response. “Ab goli ka jawab gole
se milega” (Response of bullets
will be given through cannons).
On ‘Operation Sindoor’, the
Prime Minister said as a symbol
ofIndia’s spirit,areflectionofthe
nation’s courage and determination to maintain its sovereignty. PM Modi was addressing
the Women Empowerment
Mahasammelan in Bhopal held
to mark 300th birth anniversary
of ‘Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai
Holkar”, he reflected upon the
legacy of the Holkar queen.
PM Modi once again said that
terrorists had dared to challenge
the strength of Indian women
without understanding the consequences; their action led to their downfall, in addition to their supporter.
Highlighting the strength of
‘Sindoor’, he roared saying that
‘Sindoor’ has long stood as an
emblem of feminine power in
ourtradition, signifying strength,
devotion and sacred duty. It is
not merely a ritual decoration or
simply put a line an adornment but a profound representation of resilience and divine dignity.
Citing an example from the
Hindumythology,PMModisaid,
even in the lore of Lord
Hanuman, his devotion to Lord
Rama is intertwined with symbolism of Sindoor, marking a
bond of faith and unwavering
commitment and Power of
Bhakti. Referring to the recent
acts of terror in Pahalgam, he
said that they were not just an
attack on innocent lives but an
assault on India’s cultural fabric
and unity. He pointed out that the aggressors had sought to fracture the
spirit of the people and dared to challenge the indomitable force
of women’s strength, a mistake
that proved to be their downfall.
Highlighting the success of
Operation Sindoor, PM Modi
described it as the most formidable and triumphant mission in India’s history against
terrorism. He lauded the armed
forces for going deep into enemy territory, dismantling their
hideouts and teaching them a
lesson for their cowardly act.
This operation, he said, delivered a powerful message to the
world that “India will no longer
tolerate proxy wars waged
through terrorism.”
Those who seek to threaten
India’s sovereignty will find no
refuge, as the forces of justice
will strike at the very heart of
hostility, eliminating not only
the perpetrators but also those
who enable and support them.
“The cost of aiding such atrocities,” he declared, “would be
severe, and response to every
act of aggression would be
absolute.”
Remembering the great legacy and contribution of revered
Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, PM
Modi emphasised that a sense
of respect prevails when we
hear her name.
He described her as an icon
of resilience, wisdom and
strength, noting that she was
not merely a ruler but also a
guardian of India’s cultural heritage.
“When invaders sought to
dismantle the country’s temples, she took it upon herself
to restore and preserve them,
ensuring that India’s spiritual
traditions remained intact,” PM
Modi said.
PM Modi recalled her pioneering stance on social reform,
highlighting that in an era when
discussions about women’s
rights were rare, Ahilyabai boldly advocated for women’s property rights and the right of widows to remarry. She championed these causes with
conviction, defying tradition
and challenging societal norms
that sought to limit women’s
autonomy.
Furthermore, she established
a contingent of women warriors
in the Malwa army, recognising female strength and capability at a time when such ideas
were revolutionary. PM Modi
remarked that the world, particularly the West, often criticises India’s treatment of
women while overlooking its
long history of female leadership and valour.
He pointed out
that Ahilyabai’s vision extended beyond her own kingdom.
She took strategic measures to
form women’s security squads
in villages, reinforcing their role
as protectors of their communities.
Her legacy, he said, is not just
one of governance but of
nation-building, embodying
the power of women in shaping India’s future. Extending
great respect towards the
revered ruler , he says in future
too her blessings continue to
guide us and keep the nation
moving forward.
On the occasion, Governor
Mangubhai Patel welcomed
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and presented him a portrait
of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai
Holkar made of Zari Zardosi.
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav
welcomed Prime Minister
Modi and honoured him with
a Peshwai traditional turban.
Prime Minister Modi was welcomed with a Pushpak Viman
made of Bhareva craft peculiarity of Betul district.