Operation Sindoor: How Pahalgam Retaliation Brought India Together Against Pakistan
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On May 7th, the world witnessed the launch of Operation Sindoor , a precise counter-terrorist strike that eliminated numerous terrorists in retaliation for the brutal Pahalgam attack. While most Indians stood united, a tweet went viral criticizing the operation’s name:
“On principle, I object strongly to the name Operation Sindoor . It reeks of patriarchy, ownership of women, ‘honour’ killings, chastity, sacralising the institution of marriage, and similar Hindutva obsessions.”
This critique, filled with academic jargon, seemed disconnected from the emotions stirring across India. What was remarkable was that, unlike earlier times, very few echoed such dissent against India’s retaliation.
Across the political spectrum—whether elite columnists, fact-checkers, leftists, or intellectuals who once advocated for softer stances on Pakistan—there was rare consensus. Almost everyone stood with the Government of India, recognizing the bitter truth: Pakistan’s intent has consistently been India’s destabilization.
Shifting Sentiments
Two decades ago, many Indians embraced the idea of peace and friendship with Pakistan. Cricket fans wanted Pakistani players in the IPL, cinema lovers adored Fawad Khan’s performances, and music lovers cherished Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s melodies. Films like Main Hoon Na reflected this longing for peace.
But repeated terror attacks—including the chilling Mumbai 26/11 attack and now Pahalgam—have eroded that goodwill. From urban India to rural heartlands, the idea of “eternal friendship” with Pakistan has lost its audience.
The Pahalgam attack wasn’t just another terror strike. Its brutality shocked the nation: people were killed face-to-face, victims were identified by religion, and some women were deliberately spared to send a chilling message: “Go back and tell Modi what happened here.”
A Nation Crosses the Line
India’s response until now had often been cautious—balancing diplomacy, restraint, and backchannel negotiations. But Pahalgam crossed an unseen red line. The attack wasn’t just an assault on security; it was an attack on the soul of India.
International media attempted their usual narrative of moral equivalence, labeling terrorists as “gunmen” or “rebels” while subtly blaming India’s political climate. But images from Pahalgam told a different story.
Perhaps the most haunting was the photograph of Himanshi Narwal, sitting beside the body of her husband, Lt. Vinay Narwal—still wearing her bridal bangles and sindoor. That single image captured the heartbreak and resilience of India: a love story shattered, yet a nation unwilling to bow.
In Indian culture, sindoor isn’t just a cosmetic mark—it symbolizes sacred commitment and strength. Stories from Indian mythology tell of Hanuman covering himself in vermilion to protect Rama. It symbolizes love, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion.
By naming its military response Operation Sindoor, India invoked this deep civilizational symbolism. This wasn’t just an act of military revenge; it was an assertion of Shakti—the divine feminine power that rises when injustice prevails.
As history shows, in Indic tradition, when the sacred feminine is wronged, goddesses like Durga, Kali, and Chamunda arise to restore dharma. Operation Sindoor wasn’t about anger—it was about righteous action.
Women Leading the Way
Operation Sindoor’s visuals reinforced this symbolism. From the tipped jar of vermilion in the official logo to a press conference flanked by women officers like Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, it sent a clear message: India’s daughters don’t just wear sindoor—they defend it.
This moment transcended politics. For once, India wasn’t divided by party lines or ideologies. Whether BJP, Congress, Left or Right—Indians stood together. Even the usual skeptics didn’t demand proof or question military strategy.
India has never been the aggressor. But time and again, it has defended itself—whether in 1947, 1965, 1971, 1999, or now. And each time, it has done so with resolve, not vengeance.
As the Bhagavad Gita teaches, duty must be performed without attachment. Justice isn’t fueled by hatred, but by clarity and purpose. Operation Sindoor was not launched in rage—it was launched in resolve.
In the words of Krishna to Arjuna: there comes a time when even the most peace-loving warrior must pick up his bow.
That time came with Pahalgam.
Operation Sindoor is not the end—it’s a beginning. A reminder that while India loves peace, it will never hesitate to defend its dharma.
“On principle, I object strongly to the name Operation Sindoor . It reeks of patriarchy, ownership of women, ‘honour’ killings, chastity, sacralising the institution of marriage, and similar Hindutva obsessions.”
This critique, filled with academic jargon, seemed disconnected from the emotions stirring across India. What was remarkable was that, unlike earlier times, very few echoed such dissent against India’s retaliation.
Across the political spectrum—whether elite columnists, fact-checkers, leftists, or intellectuals who once advocated for softer stances on Pakistan—there was rare consensus. Almost everyone stood with the Government of India, recognizing the bitter truth: Pakistan’s intent has consistently been India’s destabilization.
Shifting Sentiments
Two decades ago, many Indians embraced the idea of peace and friendship with Pakistan. Cricket fans wanted Pakistani players in the IPL, cinema lovers adored Fawad Khan’s performances, and music lovers cherished Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s melodies. Films like Main Hoon Na reflected this longing for peace.
But repeated terror attacks—including the chilling Mumbai 26/11 attack and now Pahalgam—have eroded that goodwill. From urban India to rural heartlands, the idea of “eternal friendship” with Pakistan has lost its audience.
The Pahalgam attack wasn’t just another terror strike. Its brutality shocked the nation: people were killed face-to-face, victims were identified by religion, and some women were deliberately spared to send a chilling message: “Go back and tell Modi what happened here.”
A Nation Crosses the Line
India’s response until now had often been cautious—balancing diplomacy, restraint, and backchannel negotiations. But Pahalgam crossed an unseen red line. The attack wasn’t just an assault on security; it was an attack on the soul of India.
International media attempted their usual narrative of moral equivalence, labeling terrorists as “gunmen” or “rebels” while subtly blaming India’s political climate. But images from Pahalgam told a different story.
Perhaps the most haunting was the photograph of Himanshi Narwal, sitting beside the body of her husband, Lt. Vinay Narwal—still wearing her bridal bangles and sindoor. That single image captured the heartbreak and resilience of India: a love story shattered, yet a nation unwilling to bow.
In Indian culture, sindoor isn’t just a cosmetic mark—it symbolizes sacred commitment and strength. Stories from Indian mythology tell of Hanuman covering himself in vermilion to protect Rama. It symbolizes love, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion.
By naming its military response Operation Sindoor, India invoked this deep civilizational symbolism. This wasn’t just an act of military revenge; it was an assertion of Shakti—the divine feminine power that rises when injustice prevails.
As history shows, in Indic tradition, when the sacred feminine is wronged, goddesses like Durga, Kali, and Chamunda arise to restore dharma. Operation Sindoor wasn’t about anger—it was about righteous action.
Women Leading the Way
Operation Sindoor’s visuals reinforced this symbolism. From the tipped jar of vermilion in the official logo to a press conference flanked by women officers like Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, it sent a clear message: India’s daughters don’t just wear sindoor—they defend it.
This moment transcended politics. For once, India wasn’t divided by party lines or ideologies. Whether BJP, Congress, Left or Right—Indians stood together. Even the usual skeptics didn’t demand proof or question military strategy.
India has never been the aggressor. But time and again, it has defended itself—whether in 1947, 1965, 1971, 1999, or now. And each time, it has done so with resolve, not vengeance.
As the Bhagavad Gita teaches, duty must be performed without attachment. Justice isn’t fueled by hatred, but by clarity and purpose. Operation Sindoor was not launched in rage—it was launched in resolve.
In the words of Krishna to Arjuna: there comes a time when even the most peace-loving warrior must pick up his bow.
That time came with Pahalgam.
Operation Sindoor is not the end—it’s a beginning. A reminder that while India loves peace, it will never hesitate to defend its dharma.
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