Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, has compelled the world to acknowledge the country’s strength and resolve, reported news agency ANI.
The Prime Minister affirmed that this military operation, which began on 7 May following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that tragically claimed 26 lives, has ignited a new spirit across the nation and instilled renewed self-confidence among its people.
“Today’s India considers its security paramount. During Operation Sindoor, the world saw that if anyone attacks India’s security and sovereignty, India knows how to respond in their own language. Operation Sindoor has made it clear that there is no safe haven in the world for India’s enemies and terrorists,” the Prime Minister said, addressing the public at Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur.
He added, “Operation Sindoor has ignited a new spirit across the country, instilled new self-confidence, and has forced the world to acknowledge India’s strength and resolve.”
Additionally, addressing the valedictory function at the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival, held on the occasion of the birth anniversary of King Rajendra Chola I at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Ariyalur, PM Modi emphasised that for India to build a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), it must draw inspiration from the Chola Empire’s powerful navy by strengthening its defence forces and exploring new opportunities, ANI reported.
“The Chola Empire is like an ancient roadmap for developed India. It tells us that if we are to achieve a Viksit Bharat, then we must strengthen our Navy and defence forces and explore new opportunities. Today, India is embracing the philosophy of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi. Modern India takes great pride in its rich history and cultural legacy. Over the past decade, we have worked tirelessly in mission mode to protect and preserve India’s heritage.”
Further highlighting the Tamil Dynasty’s contribution to ancient India’s economy and military, PM Modi said, “The economic and military heights India reached during the Chola era continue to inspire us even today. Rajaraja Chola built a powerful navy, which Rajendra Chola further strengthened.”
The Prime Minister added, “The economic and military heights India reached during the Chola era continue to inspire us even today. Rajaraja Chola built a powerful navy, which Rajendra Chola further strengthened. During their time, many administrative reforms were made. They strengthened local administration and implemented a strong fiscal system.”
“The Chola emperors had woven India into a thread of cultural unity. Today, our government is carrying forward the same vision of the Chola era,” PM Modi said, highlighting government initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam and the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam, which, in his view, are strengthening centuries-old bonds of unity.
Moreover, the Prime Minister, on the occasion, wore traditional attire, comprising a white veshti (dhoti), a white shirt, and an angavasthram draped around his neck. He also released a commemorative coin honouring the great Chola emperor Rajendra Chola I.
He was welcomed by the local priests in the temple. Earlier in the day, crowds flocked to see the Prime Minister as he held a roadshow in the Tiruchirappalli district, ANI reported.
His convoy received a warm welcome from the local residents gathered to witness his arrival.
The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its intricate sculptures, Chola bronzes, and ancient inscriptions. The Aadi Thiruvathirai festival also celebrates the rich Tamil Shaiva Bhakti tradition, fervently supported by the Cholas and immortalised by the 63 Nayanmars—the saint-poets of Tamil Shaivism.
Notably, Rajendra Chola’s birth star, Thiruvathirai (Ardra), commences on 23 July, making this year’s festival particularly significant.
(With inputs from ANI)