NEW DELHI: The entire country is celebrating the success of Operation Sindoor, a powerful and strategic mission that sent a strong message to Pakistan. Among the nationwide celebrations, Uttarakhand’s Pauri district stands out with pride, as the key planners behind the operation hail from this region. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, both from Pauri, played crucial roles in planning and executing the mission under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is not the first time Pauri has contributed top defence leaders. In 2016, during the surgical strikes, and again in 2019 during the Balakot airstrikes, the late General Bipin Rawat—also from Pauri—worked closely with Ajit Doval to lead India’s response. Following these missions, Rawat was appointed India’s first Chief of Defence Staff. Once again, Pauri has demonstrated its deep connection to the country’s military leadership. The people of Uttarakhand are celebrating not only the success of Operation Sindoor but also the continued contributions of their brave sons to national security. On 18 December 2016, Pakistan-backed terrorists attacked an Indian Army camp in Uri, killing 19 Indian soldiers. Just 11 days later, India responded with a surgical strike across the border. Multiple terrorist camps were destroyed, and a large number of terrorists were killed. Earlier, India had carried out a similar successful strike in Myanmar under the leadership of then Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. That prior experience played a vital role in planning the Uri response. However, Pakistan did not cease its terror activities. In 2019, it orchestrated a deadly attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, where 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were martyred in a bomb blast—marking the deadliest terror attack on Indian forces. By that time, General Bipin Rawat had become the Chief of Defence Staff. He and NSA Ajit Doval coordinated a major airstrike inside Pakistan, marking India’s first large-scale aerial operation on Pakistani soil. The strike destroyed dozens of terror camps and resulted in the killing of hundreds of terrorists. Doval and Rawat earned global recognition as the key strategists trusted by Prime Minister Modi. Sadly, General Rawat lost his life in a tragic helicopter crash. Subsequently, Prime Minister Modi once again showed his faith in Uttarakhand by appointing Anil Chauhan, from Gavana village in Pauri district, as the new Chief of Defence Staff. Recently, after nearly five years of relative calm, Pakistan-backed terrorists once again crossed a red line by attacking innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. In this horrifying incident, 26 people were killed after being asked about their religion. Following the attack, Prime Minister Modi held highlevel discussions with his top security team. On Thursday night, India launched Operation Sindoor—a powerful airstrike deep inside Pakistani territory. This was India’s most significant strike since the 1971 war. NSA Ajit Doval played a central role in planning the mission. He worked in close coordination with CDS Anil Chauhan to select a highly skilled team that successfully targeted key Pakistani installations, leaving the country stunned. Operation Sindoor once again brought Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and Uttarakhand’s contribution into national focus. The strategic brilliance of Doval and Chauhan has filled the entire country with pride. Pauri district, from which both leaders originate, has a remarkable legacy of producing strong leaders. It is the only district in India that has given seven Chief Ministers to both Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Even Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hails from Pauri. BJP MP and media head Anil Baluni also belongs to this proud region. Pauri district has given the country towering figures like National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, former Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, and the current CDS General Anil Chauhan. Yet, despite these contributions, the district has not received the recognition it truly deserves. In terms of development, Pauri remains one of the most backward areas in Uttarakhand. However, its people take immense pride in the fact that individuals from their homeland hold some of the highest offices in the nation and bring honour to both the state and the country. Dr. Asha Tiwari, Associate Professor at Bharti College, Delhi University, and a native of Pauri, says this pride keeps the people motivated despite the lack of development. “We are proud that Pauri is the birthplace of brave and patriotic leaders. Great personalities like National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Chief Anil Chauhan, former Army Chief late Bipin Rawat, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath come from here. What makes us even prouder is having a strong Prime Minister like Narendra Modi, who showed Pakistan the true strength of India through Operation Sindoor. Now, Pakistan will think twice before daring to challenge or harm India again.”
