“Operation Sindoor demonstrated the unmatched valour of our defence forces who sent a global message that India will go to any extent to ensure the safety of its citizens while protecting the sindoor worn by our women,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the ‘Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra’ Blood Donation Camp at Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt on August 09, 2026. Raksha Mantri commended the Indian Defence Forces for eliminating terrorists and their handlers based in Pakistan and ensuring that those who dared to cast an evil eye on India faced dire consequences.Drawing a parallel with Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra, Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that while Op Sindoor showcased courage, the mega blood donation camp represents compassion. Approximately 1,000 wrestlers and athletes from Maharashtra were among the donors who participated in the camp, demonstrating the spirit of selfless service and solidarity with the Defence Forces.
Expressing gratitude to the donors, Raksha Mantri expressed confidence that the blood donated today would serve as a credible reserve for needy soldiers and their families in the future. He described blood donation as Jivandan and Mahadan, stressing that despite remarkable advances in science and medicine, no artificial substitute for human blood has yet been developed. Since blood can only be produced by the human body and donated by one person to another, he said, blood donation remains one of the noblest forms of charity.
Shri Rajnath Singh underlined that every blood donor and recipient is, in their own way, serving the nation. He urged the people, particularly the youth, to make blood donation a culture. “When we celebrate 100 years of our independence in 2047, our aim should not be limited to a developed economy; we must also envision a compassionate society where people are healthy and safe, and precious resources like blood are readily available in times of need,” he said.
Calling upon the youth to prioritise fitness, Raksha Mantri emphasised that a healthy and fit individual becomes a greater asset to society and is better equipped to undertake noble causes such as blood donation. He stated that through initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India, the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is encouraging citizens, particularly the youth, to embrace fitness as a way of life.
Highlighting Maharashtra’s enduring tradition of valour and compassion, Shri Rajnath Singh said that the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continues to inspire generations. He emphasised that the true purpose of physical strength lies in protecting others and safeguarding the nation, adding that the contribution of the athletes and wrestlers from the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would be remembered as a noble service to the nation.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Eknath Shinde; Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge) Shri Pratap Rao Jadhav; Minister of Industries, Government of Maharashtra Shri Uday Ravindra Samant; Member of Parliament Dr Srikant Lata Eknath Shinde; Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth; DG Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin; Adjutant General Lt Gen VPS Kaushik; Commandant, Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt Maj Gen Vishal Chaudhary and other senior military & civil dignitaries.
For AFMS, maintaining adequate blood reserves assumes particular significance as military hospitals cater to routine healthcare requirements as well as operational, trauma and emergency contingencies. The participation of nearly 500 voluntary donors reaffirmed the ethos of ‘Service Before Self’ and underscored the role that every eligible citizen can play in saving lives through regular voluntary blood donation.