New Delhi: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)'s decision to include 'Operation Sindoor' in school textbooks has been met with widespread acclaim from retired military officers across India. They view this move as a crucial step towards fostering patriotism and national security awareness among the younger generation.

Colonel Rajiv Khakera (Retd.) of the Army's Core of Air Defence expressed immense pride, highlighting the Army's "tremendous job" during Operation Sindoor with "precision gunfire and missile systems." He believes this inclusion will serve as a strong motivational factor for children to consider joining the armed forces. Lt. Colonel Kapil Dutt (Retd.) echoed these sentiments, stating that learning about the operation will "ignite a sense of service" and inspire many to pursue military careers.

Operation Sindoor, recognised as a decisive counter-terrorism operation, is considered a defining moment in India's internal security strategy. Veterans believe that its integration into the school curriculum will ensure that the legacy of those who served bravely is preserved for future generations.

General P.S. Malhotra (Retd.) lauded the decision, also commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach initiatives like ‘Mann Ki Baat’ for connecting with the populace. Wing Commander Praful Bakshi (Retd.) emphasised the operation's symbolic importance, stating it has become "a symbol -- one that marks the beginning of the end of terrorism in India" and is essential for public understanding.

The NCERT's initiative, expected to be implemented in the upcoming academic cycle, is part of a broader effort to integrate military history and national pride into India's educational framework. Recent reports indicate that NCERT is developing specific modules (8-10 pages long) on Operation Sindoor for both primary (Classes 3-8) and secondary (Classes 9-12) students, focusing on India's strategic military and diplomatic response to terror threats.

With inputs from IANS