New Delhi: ‘Operation Sindoor’, carried out by India’s armed forces, was not only a huge success in destroying multiple terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the name has struck a chord with most Indians as well.
With many women being widowed as their husbands were shot down in front of them in the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, ‘sindoor’, or vermillion — which Indian females put on their forehad as a sign of marriage – is extremely symbolic and is being associated with India’s resolute stand against terrorism.
Filmmakers and corporate companies sought to cash in on the popularity of Operation Sindoor by borrowing the name in title or branding.
Reliance Industries had also joined the bandwagon, or so it seemed.
One of India’s biggest multinational conglomerates, Reliance on Thursday issued a clarification stating it has withdrawn a trademark application for ‘Operation Sindoor.’
Explaining the decision, Reliance said in a public statement that the application to trademark ‘Operation Sindoor’ was mistakenly filed by a junior staff member at Jio Studios, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, without any formal authorisation.
The MNC stated that it has no intention of trademarking the term, acknowledging its profound national significance.
“Reliance Industries and all its stakeholders are incredibly proud of Operation Sindoor, which came about in response to a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Operation Sindoor is the proud achievement of our brave Armed Forces in India’s uncompromising fight against the evil of terrorism,” the statement read.
“Reliance stands fully in support of our Government and Armed Forces in this fight against terrorism. Our commitment to the motto of ‘INDIA FIRST’ remains unwavering,” the company said.
Reliance apart, three individuals — Mukesh Chetram Agrawal, Group Captain Kamal Singh Oberh (Retd) and Alok Kothari — had also filed for rights to the term ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Mukesh Ambani statement
In the evening, Reliance Chairman & MD Mukesh Ambani issued a statement lauding India’s armed forces for Operation Sindoor.
Here’s the text of his statement:
“We are very proud of our Indian Armed Forces for Operation Sindoor. India stands united, fierce in resolve and unshakable in purpose, against the scourge of all forms of terrorism. Under the bold and decisive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Armed Forces have responded with precision and power to every provocation from across the border. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has demonstrated that India will never remain silent in the face of terror and that we will not tolerate a single attack on our soil, on our civilians, or on the brave men and women who defend our nation. The last few days have shown that every threat to our peace will be met with firm and decisive action. The Reliance family is ready to support any measure in protecting our nation’s unity and integrity. We like our fellow Indians believe – India seeks peace, but not at the cost of its pride, security or sovereignty. Together, we will stand. We will fight. And we will prevail.
JAI HIND! JAI HIND KI SENA!”