“People in border areas provided full support to the Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor, which is testament to the fact that the security of the nation is not just the responsibility of the Government or the military, but of every citizen,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath during the inauguration of a Defence & Sports Academy in Jodhpur, Rajasthan on August 25, 2025. He emphasised that the country can face any difficulty and become stronger, if citizens, especially the youth, remain aware & dedicated towards their duties.

Raksha Mantri commended the zeal and determination demonstrated by the youth during Operation Sindoor, during which the Indian Armed Forces gave a befitting reply to the cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam and achieved the set goals with precision. Stressing that India does not discriminate on the basis of caste and religion, he stated that while the terrorists killed innocent people in Pahalgam on the basis of their dharma, the Indian Armed Forces destroyed those who provided shelter to terrorists based on their karma. He described the operation as the identity of New India.

Underscoring the importance of initiatives such as the Defence & Sports Academy, Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that the amalgamation of defence, education and sports is crucial to building a secure & strong nation. “Education provides knowledge while defence ensures security. Qualities like perseverance, discipline, patience and determination are as important to a soldier as they are to a sportsperson. Students who are products of this confluence of defence, education and sports can make the country proud both at national and international levels,” he said, exhorting the citizens to build a nation which is at the forefront of the world in knowledge, culture and power.

While Raksha Mantri noted the vital contribution of the state’s soldiers in protecting the country, he pointed out that the region is not producing officers in the same proportion as jawans. He urged the people to join the Armed Forces as officers, and contribute in further bolstering national security.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presided over the function with other dignitaries present on the occasion.

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VK/Savvy