In a recent press briefing, Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, emphasized that India’s Operation Sindoor was aimed solely at targeting terrorists and their supporting infrastructure, not the Pakistan military. However, he noted that the Pakistani Armed Forces chose to intervene, seemingly siding with the terrorists.
At the start of the briefing, a video featuring lines from the renowned poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar was presented, adding a poignant cultural context to the proceedings. When questioned about this choice, Air Marshal Bharti quoted a passage from the Ramcharitmanas, which captured the essence of the current tensions: “When destruction awaits, common sense is the first to die.”
The selected verses sent a strong message, suggesting a resolve for combat if peaceful negotiations are overlooked. This echoing sentiment from Dinkar’s epic, Rashmirathi, highlights a critical moment in the Mahabharata when Lord Krishna seeks peace before war breaks out. It illustrates not only the gravity of the situation but also the importance of recognizing and valuing friendship and peace before it’s too late.
This combination of literary references and military briefing underscores the profound cultural ties intertwined with the current geopolitical landscape. The evocative connection between ancient texts and modern conflicts serves as a reminder that history and culture play significant roles in shaping responses to international relations.
Such communications underscore India’s persistent call for peace, while firmly standing its ground against terrorism, reflecting a commitment to ensuring safety and stability in the region.