08-08-2025
From sisters worldwide, Op Sindoor heroes recieve 65k rakhis
Vadodara: They risked their lives during
Operation Sindoor
, ventured deep into enemy territory, and defended the borders when Pakistan attacked. This Rakshabandhan, the soldiers of the
Indian armed forces
received an outpouring of gratitude — 65,000 rakhis sent from women across India and 16 other countries.
The initiative is led by Vadodara-based retired teacher Sanjay Bachav, who has been sending rakhis to troops on the border for the past 10 years. Some of these rakhis, he said, will be tied on the wrists of soldiers who took part in Operation Sindoor.
"Sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of brothers who promise to protect them. Our armed forces saved our lives and protected us in the truest sense. Sending them rakhis is a small gesture of appreciation," Bachav told TOI.
The idea struck him a decade ago when he realised that while festivals are celebrated at home in comfort, soldiers spend them guarding the borders. In 2015, he roped in his students to help pack 2,500 rakhis and courier them to army posts. Word of the initiative soon spread, and women from across India and even abroad began sending him rakhis, which he carefully packed and forwarded to the troops.
"The aim was also to instil patriotism and respect for the armed forces among students. We began sending letters along with the rakhis, and some soldiers replied, thanking us for the gesture," he said.
This year, women from 16 countries contributed, helping the count reach 65,000 rakhis — the highest yet.
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