In a heartfelt gesture ahead of Raksha Bandhan, a group of women from Amritsar has sent handmade rakhis and thank-you letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing their deep gratitude for ‘Operation Sindoor’, a daring rescue mission that brought back stranded Indian women from war-hit regions abroad.
Dubbed a “Thread of Thanks”, the symbolic move has stirred emotional conversations across the country, highlighting not just the traditional spirit of Raksha Bandhan, but also the growing bond between citizens and national leadership in times of crisis.
What Was ‘Operation Sindoor’?
‘Operation Sindoor’ was a high-risk evacuation initiative launched by the Indian government to rescue Indian women, including many from Punjab, who were trapped in conflict zones in the Middle East. These women, some of whom were stuck in exploitative or dangerous situations, were unable to return home due to ongoing regional tensions and lack of diplomatic access.
In coordination with Indian embassies, military and intelligence agencies, and humanitarian partners, the mission successfully evacuated dozens of Indian nationals, most of whom were women from humble backgrounds working as caregivers or house helps.
The operation earned its name—“Sindoor”—to reflect the dignity and honor of Indian womanhood, which the mission aimed to protect and restore.
The Emotional Gesture from Amritsar
As news of the successful mission spread across Punjab, the families of the rescued women were overwhelmed with relief and gratitude. Among them, several women’s groups in Amritsar decided to express their thanks in a culturally meaningful way: by tying rakhi to the Prime Minister, symbolically making him their “rakshak”—a brother who protects.
The rakhis, handmade by the women themselves, were accompanied by letters filled with emotion, blessings, and heartfelt words. One letter read:
“You are not just our Prime Minister, but our guardian in times of fear. We tie this rakhi as a promise of trust, because you did not forget your sisters—even in distant lands.”
These tokens were sent to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) through local administrative channels and are expected to reach New Delhi ahead of the festival.
Reactions from Across the Nation
The gesture has resonated widely on social media, where the hashtag #ThreadOfThanks began trending shortly after the story was picked up by regional news channels and citizen journalism platforms.
Here are a few reactions:
- “This is the India we’re proud of—where a sister’s rakhi can reach the most powerful office in the country.”
- “Kudos to the unsung heroes behind Operation Sindoor. These rakhis are more than threads; they’re stories of survival and hope.”
Symbolism of Rakhi in This Context
Raksha Bandhan traditionally celebrates the bond between a brother and sister, with the brother vowing to protect his sister. In this scenario, the women of Amritsar flipped the narrative, choosing to honor the man who acted as their protector from afar, not bound by family, but by duty and compassion.
By sending rakhis to the Prime Minister, they have extended the traditional festival into a national acknowledgment of responsibility, leadership, and gratitude.
A Message Beyond Politics
While the move has naturally attracted political attention, many voices have emphasized that the gesture is not about party lines—it’s about human lives, reunion of families, and recognition of swift action in times of peril.
Several women’s rights activists and social workers who had been lobbying for these evacuations noted that the mission set a new precedent for diplomatic urgency when it comes to protecting Indian women abroad, and the rakhis sent to PM Modi are a testament to that trust.
A Thread That Binds a Nation
The “Thread of Thanks” from Amritsar’s women is more than a ceremonial token. It is a poignant reminder that leadership is most respected when it safeguards the vulnerable. And in return, even a small thread like a rakhi can carry the weight of a nation’s gratitude.
As India prepares to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, this symbolic gesture serves as a touching tale of how age-old traditions continue to evolve, carrying stories of resilience, respect, and hope across boundaries—be they physical, political, or emotional.
