During Op Sindoor, we followed Lord Krishna's message: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that during Operation Sindoor, India's action was guided by the message which Lord Krishna gave to the Pandavas that war should not be fought for revenge or ambition but for the establishment of righteous rule.

 

"Lord Krishna also taught Arjun that a person who follows the path of righteousness is never afraid," said the defence minister after inaugurating the 10th International Gita conference in Kurukshetra, where he also attended the Gita festival and offered prayers on the banks of holy Brahmasarovar.

 

Referring to the Pahalgam terror incident in April, Singh said the ghastly act still disturbs the national consciousness. The terrorists committed a dastardly and inhuman act when the innocent tourists were killed after they were asked about their religion, he said.

 

 

He said India combines compassion with courage and will not remain silent in the face of terrorism.

 

"I believe that that incident was not only challenging the peace-loving nature of India; the terrorists and their patrons had assumed that India's decency was its weakness, but they forgot that India is the country of the Gita, where there is compassion and also the inspiration to protect the 'dharma' on the battlefield," he said, addressing the gathering.

 

While talking about India's reply to the Pahalgam terror attack, the defence minister said that through Operation Sindoor, the armed forces gave them a stern reply which they have not been able to forget till today.

 

"We showed the world that India does not want war, but if it is compelled, then it does not run away and gives a strong reply," he said.

 

Singh said that Operation Sindoor was not only a military operation, but a proclamation of India's self-commitment, self-respect and self-confidence.

 

"Lord Krishna had also explained the same to the Pandavas that war should not be fought for revenge or ambition but for the establishment of righteous rule.

 

"..During Operation Sindoor, we adhered to the message of Lord Krishna. And this operation has given the message to the entire world that India will neither remain silent against terrorism nor fall weak under any circumstances. Shri Krishna had explained to Arjuna in Kurukshetra that Dharma is not protected only by preaching; it is protected by deeds, and Operation Sindoor was that Dharma-based deed which we adopted," he said.

 

The event was jointly organised by Kurukshetra University, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Kurukshetra Development Board, and attended by spiritual leaders, scholars, several Haryana cabinet ministers, Member of Parliament Naveen Jindal and senior officials.

 

Rajnath Singh also inaugurated the Haryana Pavilion at the festival.

 

He recalled that it was in Kurukshetra where Lord Krishna delivered the eternal message of 'Karmayoga' to Arjuna.

 

He noted that due to joint efforts of the Centre and the state, Gita Jayanti has now gained international recognition.

 

Rajnath Singh emphasised that the Gita's message extends far beyond India's geographical boundaries.

 

"The Gita is the scripture of the entire world. If one wishes to understand the true essence of India, it is found in the sacred dust of Kurukshetra," he said, noting that even today, standing on this land evokes the presence of Lord Krishna's eternal voice.

 

Tracing its origin to "Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi" more than 5,000 years ago, he said the Gita was delivered not only to guide Arjuna but to awaken the collective consciousness of humanity.

 

"In moments of despair, the Gita becomes a source of hope. It is not only a document of self-reflection but also a form of therapy," he said.

 

He said that from scientists in laboratories and soldiers on borders to farmers in fields, the message of 'Karma Yoga' applies to every sphere of Indian life. "Struggle is part of everyone's journey, and the Gita teaches us never to be defeated by it," he said.

 

MP Naveen Jindal urged youth to embody the Gita's teachings in everyday life, while Ministers Anil Vij and Krishan Bedi underlined its relevance in shaping moral and spiritual clarity.

 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared his greetings through a video message.