New Delhi, AUG 9: In a heartwarming and symbolic Rakshabandhan ceremony, school children from ASHA Schools and school girls from various parts of the National Capital Region (NCR), tied rakhi to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Upendra Dwivedi. This gesture of affection was not only a celebration of the sacred festival but also a reaffirmation of the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to protect the citizens of the nation, especially its young and vulnerable.
The rakhi, tied by the children from ASHA Schools, symbolised trust and protection. The Army Chief’s arm, representing the “sword arm” of the nation, was adorned with these sacred threads, symbolising the army’s role in defending the nation’s borders. This arm, which had delivered a decisive response during Operation Sindoor, now held the hopes and blessings of a grateful nation.
What made this Rakshabandhan even more special was the rakhi sent from all over India, from the farthest corners of the country. These rakhis were carefully dispatched to soldiers deployed in some of the most challenging terrains — from the high, treacherous peaks of the mountains to the dense jungles, the vast expanses of the Thar Desert, and the salt flats of the Rann of Kutchh. These rakhi threads, tied with love and trust, symbolised the bond between the soldiers and the citizens they protect, no matter where they serve.
The rakhi received from the nation’s sisters served as a reminder that the soldiers standing guard on the borders are not just protectors of the land but are also family, pledged to safeguard every citizen’s safety and peace. The ceremony was an emotional reminder of the strong bond shared between the army and the people, affirming that no matter the distance or the challenge, the Indian Army remains resolute in its duty to protect the nation.
On this Rakshabandhan, the Indian Army reaffirms its pledge to serve and protect the country, honouring the sacred bond of Rakshabandhan, and ensuring the safety and security of every citizen, from the mountains to the deserts, and from the jungles to the salt flats.
