“The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.”

In India’s defence apparatus, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Kerala have historically contributed a substantial number of personnel. Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, too, have a considerable presence in the armed forces. Traditionally, Uttar Pradesh is known for its high number of Army recruits while states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have a strong naval presence.

Besides providing precious muscle to the military, Maharashtra has clocked a 42 percent share in India’s defence and aerospace exports. The prestigious Natiional Defence Academy is near Pune while various armament establishments and laboratories are scattered in addition to the ten ordnance factories. The state has framed the first Defence Manufacturing Policy after allowing private investment in the sector. The government has declared aerospace and defence production as a thrust sector. There are many more such nodes of national importance in the state.

Over the years, India has witnessed progress in various fields like art, science, education and sports. Despite this, there is a constant scorn among certain sections that is embedded in their psyche. They refuse to adopt a positive attitude towards the country. The apathy of the governmental machinery has also caused this attitude of the citizens who feel that it is the responsibility of the government to take care of the country and not of every Indian.

People are not aware that patriotism is not a sentiment that can be injected in a person. It is a feeling born within most people and needs to be promoted. The oneness of the individual with the nation is of prime importance. It goes without saying that you should be grateful to the country in which you are born and live in. sadly, such anti-national elements are present in every country and India is no exception. The government makes its own efforts to instill the feeling of patriotism but they are not enough. Every Indian has to be made conscious of her or his national commitment. Operation Sindoor, luckily, has given this opportunity and leaders of society have to come forward to shoulder this responsibility, rather than just criticizing.

What breeds this unpatriotic stance towards the country? This is a question many scholars have tried to explore. It will be extremely unfair to stamp somebody with this charge and it will be equally difficult to pinpoint a particular issue in this regard. As the country is waging a fight against corruption, open defiance of the law and order, violence, unemployment, falling living standards and most importantly of diverse political stances, they are held to be certainly a cause and reason why the common people are feeling frustrated. It will be, hence, uncharitable to condemn them if they don’t share the feeling of pride and patriotism about the country. Unless public spiritedness is ignited, this dilemma will persist.

Each one of us has heard and read about what patriotism is all about. It is yet again the time to go back to those tales and get inspired by the noble deeds of our ancestors. It is important to understand that patriotism is a feeling that can neither be instilled artificially or taught by force. As a citizen, it is  the duty of each one to toil towards betterment of the country. The situation created by Operation Sindoor should be utilised to bring about a fundamental change in society.

Fortunately, the political parties across Maharashtra have risen to the occasion by cutting across ideological lines and political loyalties. They have expressed in unison praise of the Indian armed forces following the successful execution of Operation Sindoor.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis promptly took to social media platforms and expressed his unflinching support with a simple message: “Jai Hind. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar joined in hailing the Indian military. While Shinde offered a succinct “Jai Hind,” Ajit Pawar issued a detailed statement emphasizing that the operation was a resolute blow to terrorism. Operation Sindoor has demonstrated that India will no longer tolerate terrorism bred and exported from Pakistan. Our forces have destroyed nine terror camps with precision strikes. This is a message loud and clear: we will continue until terrorism is wiped out, Pawar has thundered. He has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the coordination with home minister Amit Shah and defence minister Rajnath Singh. He has described the operation as a result of “political will, military strength, and national unity.” Echoing similar sentiments, former defence minister Sharad Pawar has commended the Indian Air Force for carrying out the strikes with surgical precision. “Every Indian has unshakable faith in our Army. These air strikes proved that faith right once again. Without harming civilians, our armed forces delivered a powerful message to the perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre. The entire country stands proud,” Pawar stated.

Not unexpectedly, some discordant notes are heard. Some of those talking about teaching a lesson to Pakistan have faulted India for not killing the terrorists who massacred 26 innocent Indians at Pahalgam on 22 April. While a few chose to remain outside India when the nation was mourning after the tragedy, some others have questioned the timing of the action. More such elements will rear their heads in the days to come. However, those loving this country will have to root out such rotten elements. It is hoped that Maharashtra remains at the vanguard of such a battle.