The Marshal Who Won Hearts: A Press Conference That Stirred the Soul

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : In a rare moment of poetic patriotism, a press conference by the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Armed Forces turned into an emotional high point today, leaving both military officials and journalists visibly moved.

Held at noon, the joint press briefing by top representatives of the Army, Navy, and Air Force began with standard updates and briefings. But it took a stirring turn when Madhurendra, a journalist from News Nation, posed an unusual question to the panel—one that blended culture, literature, and strategy.

Referring to a powerful video clip played before the press conference—which featured lines from Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s Rashmirathi—Madhurendra asked:

“What message were you trying to convey to the enemy through these verses?”

Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, representing the Air Force, was visibly pleased by the question. He paused, asked for the journalist’s name again, and with a sense of reverence, acknowledged the power of Dinkar’s poetry. The verses referenced were from Krishna ki Chetavani—where Lord Krishna, addressing Duryodhana, warns of the consequences of arrogance and injustice.

But what followed was truly remarkable.

Responding with poetic intensity, Air Marshal Bharti quoted from Ramcharitmanas—the episode where Lord Rama, after patiently waiting for three days, finally expresses righteous anger at the unmoved ocean:

“बिनय न मानत जलधि जड़, गए तीनि दिन बीति।

बोले राम सकोप तब, भय बिनु होइ न प्रीति।।”

(“The ocean heeds not humble requests; three days have passed.

Then Lord Rama, with rising anger, declared: Without fear, there is no love.”)

The message was loud and clear—India’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness.

In a moment rarely seen at defense press briefings, the entire room of journalists broke into spontaneous applause. Even the usually stoic Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod of the Navy smiled in admiration, reflecting the gravity and grace of the Marshal’s words.

As the conference drew to a close, Vice Admiral Pramod offered a solemn Vedic invocation:

“Sham No Varunah” — May Varuna, the God of the Oceans, be gracious to us.

It wasn’t just a press conference. It was a reminder that in the soul of India’s military beats not only steel, but also Sanskriti.