Operation Sandalwood has conveyed a message to the entire world that India can go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens: Defence Minister

Defense Minister Raj Nath Singh, while addressing a blood donation camp under the 'Sundor Mahadakshina Yatra' at the Base Hospital of Delhi Cantonment today, said: "Operation Sundor has demonstrated the unparalleled bravery of our armed forces and conveyed to the world that India can go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens, along with protecting the vermilion of its women."
The Defense Minister praised the Indian armed forces for their success in eliminating terrorists and their patrons in Pakistan, ensuring that those who dare to cast an evil eye on India will face severe consequences.
Referring to the 'Sundor Mahadakshina Yatra', Raj Nath Singh said that just as Operation Sundor has set an example of courage and bravery, this great blood donation camp is a symbol of compassion and humanity. The camp included around a thousand wrestlers and players from Maharashtra who donated blood, showcasing their selfless service and solidarity with the armed forces. Expressing gratitude to the donors, the Defense Minister expressed confidence that the blood donated today will prove to be a reliable reserve for the needy soldiers and their families in the future. He termed blood donation as 'Jeevandan' and 'Mahadan', stating that despite significant advancements in science and medicine, no artificial substitute for human blood has been developed yet. He added that since blood can only be produced by the human body and can be donated from one person to another, blood donation is one of the highest forms of humanity and charity.
Mr. Raj Nath Singh emphasized that both the blood donor and the recipient serve the nation in their own ways. He appealed to the public, especially the youth, to make blood donation a social tradition. He said: "When we celebrate the centenary of our independence in 2047, our goal should not be limited to just a developed economy, but we should also envision a compassionate and humane society where people are healthy and secure, and blood is easily available when needed."
Appealing to the youth to prioritize fitness, the Defense Minister stressed that a healthy and physically fit person is a more valuable asset to society and is better prepared to perform great human duties like blood donation. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is encouraging the public, especially the youth, to make fitness a part of their lives through initiatives like 'Khelo India' and 'Fit India'.
Referring to Maharashtra's tradition of bravery and humanity, Raj Nath Singh said that the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continues to inspire people across generations. He emphasized that the true purpose of physical strength is to protect others and defend the nation. He added that the service rendered by the players and wrestlers from the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will always be remembered as a great and valuable service to the nation.
The event was attended by Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde; Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav; Maharashtra's Minister for Industry, Uday Ravindra Sament; Member of Parliament Dr. Shrikant Lata Eknath Shinde; Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth; Director General (AFMS) of the Armed Forces Medical Services, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin; Adjutant General Lieutenant General VP Singh Koshik; Commandant of Delhi Cantonment's Base Hospital, Major General Vishal Choudhary; and several other prominent personalities from the military and civil administration.
Maintaining adequate blood reserves for the AFMS is of particular importance as military hospitals not only cater to routine medical needs but also provide medical services during operational, trauma, and emergency situations. The participation of around 500 voluntary donors has once again reaffirmed the spirit of selfless service and highlighted the fact that every able citizen can play a crucial role in saving human lives through regular voluntary blood donation.