Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday drew a sharp line between the brutality of terrorists in Pahalgam and the resolve of India’s armed forces, declaring that the difference lay in “judging by religion versus judging by deeds.”
Speaking at the inauguration of the Adarsh Defence and Sports Academy in Jodhpur, Singh recalled the Pahalgam terror attack, where militants allegedly asked victims their religion before killing them. “The terrorists killed people after asking their religion, but our soldiers killed terrorists by looking at their deeds, not their religion,” he said.
The Defence Minister noted that the armed forces, under the Prime Minister’s directive, carried out a swift and precise retaliation during Operation Sindoor, ensuring that terrorists paid for their crimes. “The identity of New India lies in this decisive response,” Singh said, adding that the operation’s success was made possible by both military strategy and the support of people in border regions.
He praised the courage of the youth who, during Operation Sindoor, worked alongside the armed forces with “zeal and determination,” strengthening the idea that the defence of the nation is a collective responsibility.
Recalling Rajasthan’s legacy of sacrifice and bravery, Singh said: “This land never bows down. From Maharana Pratap to Panna Dhai, Rajasthan has produced heroes who inspire generations. Even today, its sons guard the tricolour at our borders.”
The Defence Minister also highlighted the importance of nurturing future leaders, pointing out that while Rajasthan contributes many soldiers to the Army, few rise to officer ranks. The new academy, developed under Vidya Bharati’s Lalsagar Project, aims to bridge that gap by integrating defence, sports, and education.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who also attended, said Vidya Bharati had been promoting value-based education for decades, with the academy now expanding its mission into defence training.
The Lalsagar project, worth ₹110 crore, includes a hostel for 400 students—half for defence preparation and half for national and international-level sports training.
