Operation Sindoor a victory over ‘Ravana of terrorism’: President

NEW DELHI

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday invoked the symbolism of Dasara to highlight India’s fight against terrorism, describing the armed forces’ Operation Sindoor as a victory over the “Ravana of terrorism”.

Attending the Dasara celebrations at Madhav Das Park inside Red Fort, Ms. Murmu drew a bow before burning an effigy of Ravana. She said the festival stands for the “triumph of good over evil, humility over arrogance, and love over hatred”.

“When terrorism strikes against humanity, it becomes necessary to counter it. Operation Sindoor is a mark of victory against the Ravana of terrorism, and we salute our soldiers for this,” she said, recalling the military operation launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

Despite heavy rain lashing the Capital in the evening, large crowds gathered at the Red Fort grounds. People huddled under tables, umbrellas, and even hoardings to witness the celebrations. Applauding the Delhi residents’ spirit, Ms. Murmu said, “My message to people is to kill the Ravana within. Only then can the society live in peace and harmony.”

Other festivities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to attend a Ramlila event at IP Extension, but could not make it due to heavy rain. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta joined separate celebrations in Pitampura, where she burnt a Ravana effigy. Earlier in the day, she paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and inaugurated a khadi exhibition at Dilli Haat. “Khadi is not merely a fabric but the expression of the nation’s soul,” Ms. Gupta said, calling it a symbol of “self-reliance and national pride”.

Other Ramlila committees too marked the occasion with elaborate events. At another Red Fort venue, the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee welcomed actor Bobby Deol as the chief guest. “This year, we have incorporated AI technology for the ceremonial burning of Ravana,” said committee president Arjun Kumar. Commenting on the showers, he added, “Ravana must fall, whether by fire or by rain.”

Nearly 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across the Capital to manage the festivities. The India Meteorological Department had predicted light to moderate spells of rain  in parts of Delhi, and more showers are expected on October 3, 5, and 6.