Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking at a women’s empowerment event in Madhya Pradesh, said that sindoor has now become a symbol of bravery after India’s strong response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He was addressing the gathering on the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, a legendary queen known for her leadership and cultural contributions.
Modi praised Operation Sindoor, calling it India’s biggest and most successful anti-terror mission ever. The operation was carried out after 26 civilians were killed in a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Many victims were newly married and were targeted based on their religious identity.
The Prime Minister said, “In Pahalgam, terrorists not only spilled the blood of innocent Indians but also tried to attack our culture and divide our society. They especially challenged India’s women power — and this challenge turned into their defeat.”
Under Operation Sindoor, Indian forces launched missile strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including bases of terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Explaining the name, PM Modi said that sindoor, traditionally worn by married Hindu women, is a strong part of Indian culture and is also offered in prayers to goddesses and even seen on Lord Hanuman. Now, it stands for courage and national pride, he said.
Modi also highlighted India’s growing women power. He noted that 75 women are now Members of Parliament and spoke about the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’s Reservation Bill), which aims to reserve one-third of all seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women. “This is a big step toward empowering women at every level,” he said.
He gave the example of Lt Commander Roopa A and Lt Commander Dilna K, two women officers from the Indian Navy who recently returned after sailing around the world in a wind-powered boat, spending 250 days at sea. “This shows the world what India’s daughters can do,” he said.
Modi also praised Ahilyabai Holkar, saying she protected temples and heritage during tough times and lived by the philosophy of ‘Nagrik Devo Bhava’ (the citizen is god) — a value his government is also trying to follow.
To honor her legacy, he released a commemorative stamp and a special Rs 300 coin.
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