At a serious military briefing, it is not often that high literature and epic texts are quoted by battle-hardened air warriors to make a point. However, Air Marshal AK Bharti, the Director General of Air Operations of the Indian Air Force (IAF), left the gathered group of typically skeptical journalists stunned and captivated when he quoted a couplet from the Ramcharitmanas to emphasise Lord Ram's patience and eventual anger toward the Sea God.
Without reading from any paper, Air Marshal Bharti fluently recited the couplet: "Vinay Na Manat Jaldhi Jad, Bhaye Teen Din Beet, Bole Ram Sakop Tab, Bhai Bin Hoi Na Preet."
In English, the couplet translates to: "The ocean remained unmoved by humble requests, three days passed. Then Lord Rama, with rising anger, declared without fear, there can be no love."
This couplet refers to a critical moment in the Ramayan, when Lord Ram, after waiting patiently for the Sea God to grant him the passage to Lanka, loses his patience after three days. Angered, he declares that love does not exist without fear and raises his bow. Only then does the Sea God appear and offer help to Lord Ram.
"What message is being given... So, a hint is enough for an intelligent person," Bharti remarked as the room broke into applause.
The Air Marshal's literary reference came in response to a reporter's question about the symbolism or messaging behind the use of Sanskrit hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva during a briefing on Sunday and a renowned poem from 'Rashtrakavi' Ramdhari Singh Dinkar about the Mahabharata on Monday.
Before the briefing commenced, the military had displayed a key verse from Dinkar’s Rashmirathi on a large screen, set to a rock music rendition. The visuals juxtaposed Indian military assets — missiles, naval platforms, weapons systems, air defense capabilities — with subtitles. The verse from Krishna ki Chetavani read: "Jab nash manuj pe chhata hai, pehle vivek mar jata hai... Hit-vachan tune nahin maana, maitri ka mulya nahin pehchana,.... Antim sankalp sunaata hun. Yachana nahin ab rann hoga, jeevan jai ya ki maran hoga."
Translated into English: "When doom hovers over a man, the first thing that vanishes is wisdom... you did not heed wise words, did not recognise the value of friendship... announcing last resolve. There will be war, not pleading, glory to life or death."
The military briefing on Sunday also set the tone with the powerful Shiva Tandava Stotram, accompanied by a montage of images depicting the damage inflicted by India’s military under Operation Sindoor, with subtitles such as "heed our advice", "terrorism will have a cost for Pakistan", and "unaffordable."
On Monday, during the briefing, the resonant sounds of Krishna ki Chetavani filled the hall, accompanied by a metaphor-laden message to Pakistan from the Indian military. A collage of wrecked Pakistani drones and videos showcasing India’s military might in land, air, and sea domains played on a large screen, reinforcing India’s zero-tolerance for terrorism.
The message was clear — India’s steadfast commitment to protecting its sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens remains unshaken.
Director General Military Operations (DGMO), Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, and Director General of Naval Operations, Vice Admiral AN Pramod, also briefed the media on Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation aimed at destroying nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Air Marshal Bharti showcased footage of the wreckage of Turkish drones and other aerial assets destroyed by the Indian armed forces, highlighting the robust air defense posture maintained by the forces.
"Our counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems), our trained air defense operators are fully capable, and our indigenous capabilities have demonstrated that whatever technology may come, we are prepared to counter it. And I don’t need to say much, you have seen with your very eyes what eventuality they have met with,” he remarked.
The briefing underscored India's powerful military response to terrorism, along with a clear message of resolve and strength in defending national security.
Also Read: IAF struck Karachi's Malir Cantt in Op Sindoor: Report reveals
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