On the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, President Droupadi Murmu joined thousands of citizens at Delhi’s Red Fort to celebrate Dussehra and draw parallels between the age-old triumph of Lord Ram over Ravana and India’s contemporary fight against terrorism. Braving heavy rainfall that disrupted festivities across the capital, the President stood before the crowd at Madhavdas Park and ceremonially drew a bow to mark the symbolic “Ravan Dahan,” reminding the nation that the festival’s message was one of victory of good over evil, humility over arrogance, and love over hatred.
In her address, President Murmu highlighted the courage and sacrifices of India’s armed forces, invoking Operation Sindoor—a cross-border military operation launched on May 7 against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan—as a modern-day reflection of the triumph of humanity. She recalled how the operation was carried out in direct retaliation for the Pahalgam attack of April 22, in which 26 civilians, including many tourists, were brutally killed by militants. “Operation Sindoor is a mark of victory against the Ravana of terrorism, and we salute our soldiers for this,” she said, drawing loud applause from the audience gathered despite the downpour.
The President stressed that the ritual of burning Ravana’s effigy was not only a symbolic destruction of evil forces outside but also a call for introspection. “This event is not only about destroying Ravana outside, but also about ending the Ravana within us. Only then can society move ahead with peace and harmony,” she urged, emphasising the need to conquer inner vices such as arrogance, hatred, and greed.
Despite the rain, large crowds armed with umbrellas flocked to witness the grand spectacle of the effigy set ablaze, their determination echoing the spirit of the festival. Union Minister Smriti Irani, who was also present at the event organised by the Dharmic Ramlila Committee, paid tribute to the enduring tradition of Dussehra while reinforcing the significance of national unity in the face of external threats.
The evening’s celebrations thus became not just a cultural festivity but also a patriotic tribute to India’s resilience, with President Murmu’s words reminding citizens that the fight against terrorism mirrors the timeless battle between good and evil depicted in the Ramayana.
