When India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the nation’s response was not just military. In Sikkim, a different kind of resistance took shape: hundreds of spiritual leaders, including women from the Brahma Kumaris and other faiths, gathered at the Sarva Dharma Evam Sarva Jatiya Sabha to pray for the soldiers.
This was no ordinary prayer meeting. It was a strategic act of unity, blending ancient traditions with modern warfare. Governor Om Prakash Mathur called it “spiritual armour for the nation.” Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang went further, linking the Hindu symbol of sindoor (vermilion) to the courage of soldiers defending India’s mothers and sisters.
But how does faith translate into frontline strength? And why are women-led spiritual movements at the heart of this movement?
Operation Sindoor: More Than Just Retaliation
On April 22, 2025, five militants attacked tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, killing 26 civilians, most of them Hindu pilgrims. Within days, India retaliated with Operation Sindoor, destroying nine terror camps. The name was deliberate: sindoor symbolizes marital commitment in Hinduism, but it became a rallying cry for national pride here.
“Just as sindoor protects a woman’s dignity, our soldiers protect India’s sovereignty,” CM Tamang said at the Sabha. The message was clear: this was not just about revenge but also about preserving the nation’s cultural identity.
Key Fact: The Indian Army reported intercepting multiple kamikaze drones and missiles during the operation, a testament to upgraded defence systems.
The Women Leading the Prayer Brigade
One group stood out at the Sarva Dharma Sabha: the Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual movement led entirely by women. Clad in white saris, they led meditations for peace and soldier safety. Their presence was symbolic; women, often seen as passive in conflict, were now actively shaping national resilience.
Who Are the Brahma Kumaris?
- Founded in 1937, the group focuses on meditation, self-discipline, and gender equality.
- They run disaster relief programs and have advised the UN on peace-building.
- At the Sabha, their leader, Sister Shivani, stated: “Inner peace fuels outer strength. If our soldiers are calm, they fight better.”
Other groups, like the Mangpa (Rai) shamans and Sri Sathya Sai devotees, also performed rituals for protection. “We chant mantras not just for gods but for those guarding our borders,” said a Phedangma (Limboo) priest.
Why Spiritual Support Matters in War
Studies show that soldiers with strong moral or spiritual beliefs exhibit higher resilience in combat. The Indian Army has long acknowledged this, allowing religious leaders to visit forward posts.
Psychological Impact:
- A 2024 Defense Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) study found that troops practising meditation had 23% lower stress levels.
- Families of soldiers in Jammu reported feeling “a shield of faith” after interfaith prayers were held locally.
Fact: The Sarva Mangala Mangalye mantra, chanted at the Sabha, is traditionally believed to invoke divine protection—a psychological boost for soldiers and civilians.
Sikkim’s Model: Can the Rest of India Follow?
Sikkim, India’s least populous state, has always punched above its weight in national unity. There are 22 ethnic groups and six major religions that coexist seamlessly. It’s setting a new precedent: using spirituality as a defence strategy.
How It Works:
- Interfaith Councils: Regular dialogues between Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim leaders ensure no community feels alienated.
- Women in Charge: With Brahma Kumaris and other female-led groups taking the lead, the movement avoids patriarchal pitfalls.
- Military Collaboration: The state government works with Army units to organize morale-boosting events featuring spiritual leaders.
Challenge: Critics argue that mixing religion and security risks politicizing faith. But Sikkim’s leaders insist this is about unity, not dogma.
Conclusion: A New Kind of Warfare
Operation Sindoor proved that India’s strength lies not just in missiles but in its people’s unity. Sikkim’s Sarva Dharma Sabha showed how women, spiritual leaders, and soldiers can form an unbreakable chain.
As Governor Mathur said, “A nation that prays together stays together.”
Final Thought: If more states adopt Sikkim’s model, India’s defence may soon have an invisible—but—unshakable layer of spiritual armour.
