Last Updated: October 16, 2023, 21:22 IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi puts a lot of thought into the names of the missions and projects, say sources. (File)
There was a special reason why Prime Minister Narendra Modi named the mission Ajay, those aware of the development told News18. “Ajay means undefeatable. It actually defines the spirit of India — ready to fight all crisis, and keeping the nation and the national interest on top,” a top source told News18
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar last Wednesday announced that the Indian government would launch a rescue mission – Operation Ajay – to bring back stranded citizens from the war-affected Israel. Since then, several flights have brought back Indians from the crisis-ridden country. There was a special reason why Prime Minister Narendra Modi named the mission Ajay, those aware of the development told News18.
Launching #OperationAjay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return. Special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place.
Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 11, 2023
“Ajay means undefeatable. It actually defines the spirit of India — ready to fight all crisis, and keeping the nation and the national interest on top. It signifies the victory of good over evil,” a top source told News18.
From naming projects to carrying out rescue operations, a lot of thought goes into the process under the present PM, he added.
In April, the Indian government had launched a mission to bring back Indians from Sudan. It was called Operation Kaveri. Many of the Indian citizens stuck in Sudan were from the southern states, especially Karnataka. The Kaveri is one of the major Indian rivers flowing through the southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The river is sacred to the people of the region and is worshipped as the Goddess Kaveriamma (mother Kaveri).
“Despite all its obstructions, the river reaches its destination and ensures the well-being of all. Hence, the name,” a senior minister in the government told News18.
Early last year, when the Indian government got more than 20,000 of its citizens rescued from the war-hit Ukraine, the mission was called ‘Operation Ganga’.
“Again, Ganga is worshipped like a mother in India. She is always there to rescue her children from danger,” the source added.
PM Modi is a devotee of Goddess Durga — the Goddess of power – who is significant in denoting the victory of good over evil, which is why the rescue operation undertaken by India when Afghanistan was under the attack from Taliban was called Operation Devi Shakti.
“In case of any project taken up by the government, the intent is clear. It is for the cause of the people. Mitti ki khushbu aani chahiye, that’s how naming any project assumes a lot of significance and effort, especially by the prime minister,” a senior bureaucrat told News18.
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Recently, the Indian government dedicated to the country one of the biggest convention centres, Bharat Mandapam, which hosted the G20 summit. The name signifies that India is a land of many faiths, beliefs and diversities.
Another launch by the government, a convention centre called Yashobhoomi, was also named on similar lines.
Showing his trust in people of the country to be compliant, PM Modi came up with the name Jan Vishwas Bill for the legislation.
Most recent instance was the Women’s Reservation Bill passed by both houses of Parliament. It is meant to connect with women across the country and hence PM Modi decided to name it — Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
